Nigerian professional footballer and Former Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has advised Super Eagles duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to leave their respective clubs this summer.

Onazi, who is currently plying his trade with Avezzano in the Italian Serie D, made this known in the wake of Atalanta manager, Gian Piero Gasperini’s unfair criticism of Lookman after missing a penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

“It is incredibly disappointing to hear such remarks from an experienced coach about one of his best players. Disrespecting a young player who has given so much to the team is unacceptable,” the 32-year-old said in quotes revealed by Sports Boom.

“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.”

Gasperini had described Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen” after the Nigerian’s spot-kick was saved in their 3-1 defeat that saw Atalanta eliminated from the Champions League.

Lookman, who was returning from a six-match absence due to knee problems, had made an immediate impact after being introduced at halftime, scoring within 42 seconds to give Atalanta hope of overturning a 3-0 deficit.

The forward later released an emotional statement defending himself, writing: “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.”

Lookman also revealed that “the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty,” directly contradicting Gasperini’s version of events.

Onazi drew parallels between Lookman’s situation and what Osimhen experienced at Napoli in 2023 when the club posted a bizarre video to TikTok seemingly mocking the player after he missed a penalty.

“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,” Onazi revealed.

Osimhen eventually left Napoli on loan to Galatasaray, where he has been in scintillating form with 20 goals and five assists in 25 appearances.

“Atalanta took a chance on him (Lookman) 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’s contribution to Atalanta has been significant, scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final to secure the club’s first-ever European trophy. Despite being 12th on the list of most appearances this season, he has the second-most goal contributions with 21 goals and assists from 26 games in Serie A and the Champions League.

Credit: punchng.com

Onazi urges Lookman, Osimhen to leave Disrespectful Clubs

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