Super Eagles and Atalanta SC forward Ademola Lookman has spoken out after missing a crucial penalty kick in his team’s Champions League match against Club Brugge.
Lookman’s miss, combined with his team’s elimination from the competition, sparked controversy when Atalanta SC head coach Gian Piero Gasperini made scathing comments about the Nigerian forward’s penalty-taking abilities.
Gasperini stated, “Lookman is the worst penalty taker I have ever seen,” in a post-match interview. The Italian coach expressed his disappointment, suggesting that either Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere should have taken the penalty instead of Lookman.
Lookman, who had recently returned from injury, made an instant impact in the game by scoring within minutes of being substituted in. However, his penalty miss proved costly, and Atalanta was eliminated from the Champions League despite playing in front of their home fans.
In his response, Lookman chose not to directly address Gasperini’s comments, instead focusing on the team’s performance and his own personal growth. The Nigerian forward acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but expressed his commitment to learning from the experience and improving his skills.
Lookman’s response has been praised by fans and pundits alike, who appreciate his maturity and professionalism in the face of criticism. As the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming international fixtures, Lookman’s focus on personal growth and improvement will be essential in helping the team achieve success.
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