Okocha slams Gasperini over harsh criticism of Lookman

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has defended Ademola Lookman amid the Nigerian forward’s public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

The rift between Lookman and Gasperini intensified following Atalanta’s shocking Champions League exit against Club Brugge, where the Italian coach blamed Lookman’s missed penalty as a decisive factor in their elimination.

Despite Lookman scoring just 30 seconds into the second half, his failure to convert from the spot proved costly, with Atalanta bowing out on a 5-2 aggregate.

Instead of acknowledging the team’s collective shortcomings, Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman, labeling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.

Okocha strongly condemned the manager’s remarks, insisting Gasperini’s approach was unfair and overly harsh.

“I think Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the worst penalty taker,” Okocha said as per Mozzart Sport.

“He seems to have forgotten the incredible contributions Lookman has made to Atalanta. Many top players have missed crucial penalties without facing such harsh criticism, so why is Lookman’s case being treated differently? In my opinion, if you take Lookman out of Atalanta, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”

Okocha is not the only high-profile figure to defend Lookman.

Former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has also shown his support, posting a message of encouragement on social media.