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A Nigerian rapper has weighed in on the current controversy between Super Eagles Ademola Lookman and his manager at Atalanta Gian Piero Gasperini.
In the wake of the ongoing controversy between Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Nigerian rapper Vector has weighed in, drawing comparisons to Victor Osimhen’s fallout with Napoli.
Vector's comments come as Lookman faced public criticism following a missed penalty that contributed to Atalanta's Champions League exit on Tuesday night.
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Vector expressed his thoughts on social media, posting:
"I thought I was a victor till Napoli started laughing. Make Lookman look well… this skin issue sha."
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His remarks hint at the subtle racism that can permeate sports discussions, particularly concerning players of African descent.
The controversy erupted after Gasperini publicly criticised Lookman, labelling him "one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen" after the forward missed a crucial spot-kick in their match against Club Brugge.
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Lookman responded to Gasperini’s comments, stating that being singled out felt "deeply disrespectful" and clarified that he took the penalty at the instruction of the designated taker.
The situation echoes Osimhen's recent struggles at Napoli, where public ridicule from the club's social media accounts has strained his relationship with the team.
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Vector's comparison suggests a broader issue within football regarding how players are treated by their clubs and managers, especially when they face challenges.
Nigerians and commentators have rallied around Lookman, criticising Gasperini for his harsh words and calling for a more supportive environment for players.
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Many have pointed out that even top players like Messi and Ronaldo have missed penalties without facing such public scrutiny from their coaches.
As the situation develops, Lookman remains determined to turn this adversity into strength, stating:
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"Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do."
Meanwhile, the controversy has reopened conversations about Lookman's future at Atalanta, with Pulse Sports reporting that the 27-year-old is expected to leave Bergamo this summer.
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