Gift Orban: What Super Eagles invitee said to Lookman after penalty saga

Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban has shown support for his compatriot Ademola Lookman following the public criticism he received from Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman, who missed a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League clash against Club Brugge, faced harsh words from Gasperini, who labelled him a bad penalty taker.

“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available… I didn’t like what Lookman did.” Gasperini said.

READ MORE: “It saddens me” – Atalanta’s Lookman breaks silence on Gasperini’s penalty backlash

The public criticism prompted Lookman to break his silence with disappointment over being singled out despite his contributions to the team.

“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful,” Lookman shared on his social media page.

TSG Hoffenheim forward, Orban, reacting to this, quickly offered words of encouragement to his countryman by replying to Lookman’s post on X (formerly Twitter).

“We stand with you bro.” he wrote.

We Stand With You Bro ❤️

— Gift Orban (@GiftOrban_) February 19, 2025

Despite the setback, Lookman remains one of Atalanta’s key players this season. In his 2024-25 season, he has scored 15 goals in 28 appearances for the club—10 in Serie A and five in the Champions League.