Nigeria and Avezzano midfielder, Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, has backed Super Eagles stars, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen to leave the Italian Serie A for greener pastures, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian duo have made history with their respective clubs in Italy. Osimhen won the Scudetto with Napoli in 2023, claiming the Golden Boot while at it.
Lookman, on the other hand, won the 2024 UEFA Europa League, scoring a hat-trick against an unbeaten Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the final to hand Atalanta their maiden European silverware.
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However, the Super Eagles duo have experienced similar issues after tasting success with Italian clubs. Osimhen fell out with two managers after Luciano Spalletti left Napoli, and he was made fun of for missing a spot kick on the club's social media account.
Lookman, after winning the Europa League, has now suffered the same fate, after he was publicly belittled by Atalanta's coach, Gian Piero Gasperini because he missed a penalty in their UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge, knocking them out of the tournament.
“I told him that he [Osimhen] had accomplished the unthinkable for Napoli and the city, and that he should leave while the ovation was still strong. He chose to renew his contract instead, and when things went south, he reached out—proving that perhaps my advice had been the better option,” the 32-year-old said in quotes revealed by Sports Boom.
“It is incredibly disappointing to hear such remarks from an experienced coach about one of his best players. Disrespecting a young player [Lookman] who has given so much to the team is unacceptable.
“This player isn’t just any talent—he’s the current African Player of the Year and consistently gives his all for Atalanta. Despite coming off an injury, he returned and helped put his team back into the game. After all, anyone—even the very best—can miss a penalty.
“Atalanta took a chance on him during a difficult phase in his career, and he has since proven his worth. If he had not performed, they would likely have let him go. In my opinion, it may be time for him to move on, find a new club, and enjoy his football elsewhere,” Onazi concluded.
Lookman, on the other hand, has scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 28 games across all competitions for Atalanta this term.
