Super Eagles duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman recently exited their Italian clubs following poor treatment by their club's hierarchy…
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has criticised the treatment of Nigerian players in Italy following Ademola Lookman’s departure from Atalanta BC, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.
The ex-Nigeria international insists that the pattern of poor treatment of Super Eagles players have been evident for years.
The 28-year-old forward completed a €40 million move to Atlético Madrid and brought an end to his spell in Serie A.
His exit has reignited debate over how Nigerian stars are handled in Italy, with Okpara pointing to Victor Osimhen’s past experience as another example of what he described as a recurring issue.
Okpara questions Italy’s treatment of Nigerian players
Reacting to Lookman’s transfer, the former Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain defender praised the winger’s character but expressed concern over how Nigerian footballers are treated in Serie A.
“When you look at Lookman, he is a player that the whole nation loves, he’s a humble person and a well-determined player,” Okpara said to Soccernet.ng. “What I observe in this Italian league is the way they are treating our players. I don’t understand. Lookman is not the first player.”
He added that the situation has affected several Nigerian stars in Italy, and suggested that their form often improves once they leave the league.
‘Osimhen was there too’ – Ex-PSG defender
Okpara also referenced Osimhen’s time in Italy and drew parallels between the former Napoli striker’s experience and Lookman’s recent situation.
“When you look at when [Victor] Osimhen was there, the same issue,” he added. “Most of our players are having issues in the Italian league. I don’t know why. And at the end of the day, when they leave there, you see that their game changes. Look at what Osimhen is doing in Galatasaray.”
Lookman leaves Atalanta after establishing himself as one of Serie A’s standout attackers and playing a key role in their Europa League success.
His move to Atlético Madrid will see him become only the second Nigerian to feature for the club’s men’s team after Abass Lawal.
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Fans of the Los Colchoneros will be hoping to see the Super Eagles attacker in action when they face Real Betis in their Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash tomorrow.
