Adedokun Waliyu 
Ademola Lookman has received backing from Nigeria’s senior men’s national team following public criticism by his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League loss to Club Brugge on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles’ X handle quoted Lookman’s statement on the controversy with a message “we are with you, Ade,” showing solidarity with the Nigerian forward.
The national team’s handle also posted graphics showing Lookman’s statics so far in the 2024/2025 season which shows 17 goals and 7 assists. The page also posted videos of him scoring goals with the caption “Ademola The King”.
Lookman scored a goal after coming on in the second half but missed a penalty moments later, with Gasperini critcising him after as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
But the Nigerian responded to his coach’s comments in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it was “deeply disrespectful.”
“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, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.
“Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”
