Nigerian fans and supporters of Ademola Lookman erupted in celebration on social media following the sacking of Atalanta head coach Ivan Jurić, a move many saw as poetic justice after his public clash with the Super Eagles forward.
Softfootball understands that the dismissal, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, came just days after Atalanta’s Champions League win over Marseille, where Jurić was caught on camera grabbing and shoving Lookman on the touchline, a moment that angered fans across Africa.
He posted:
One popular X user, BigSalvador (@Bigsalvador001), reacted with heavy sarcasm, mocking the coach’s situation and implying that Jurić’s troubles had only just begun.
He wrote:
Now that he’s jobless, @FabrizioRomano please tell Juric to come to Nigeria, we have something very important to discuss with him. Urgently.
Collins O (@OkoroCollins11), another user, celebrated the news with a mix of humour and vindication, referencing the earlier dispute between the pair that had fans extremely outraged, according to an earlier report.
He posted:
Ademola Lookman finally wins the battle. Ivan Juric sacked lol.
Meanwhile, Roman Calculus (@RomanCalculus) captured the triumphant mood among Nigerian fans, framing the sacking as divine payback for disrespecting Africa’s best player.
He declared:
That’s what you get for messing with the Reigning African best! Awesome news.
Not everyone focused solely on the rivalry. _Prexxi7 (@PreXxi7), in a critical tone, reminded followers that Jurić’s behaviour toward Lookman had gone unchecked for too long, tying it to Nigeria’s growing football influence in Europe.
He wrote:
Disrespecting Lookman that won the first European trophy for them to been sacked within 5 days… Nigerians own that Technical league 2.0.
Others looked beyond the drama, like SON OF AFEGE (@GreatestBIGLEE), who turned attention toward Atalanta’s next chapter under Raffaele Palladino, describing it as a potentially bold shift in style.
He tweeted:
Big change in Bergamo! Palladino to Atalanta feels like a bold, forward-thinking move—young coach, modern ideas, and attacking football. Jurić’s exit was coming, but this could mark a real shift in style for La Dea. What do you think, upgrade or gamble?
But not everyone was convinced the issue was over. Henry Ugo (@Jedi_Ugo) sounded cautious, suggesting Lookman’s future at the club still depends on how Palladino handles him.
He warned:
I don’t think Palladino will treat Lookman different. He could stay till season end, but should leave unless Palladino convinces him to stay further.
Overall, the reactions underline how deeply invested Nigerian fans are in Lookman’s journey. For many, Jurić’s exit wasn’t just about a managerial change — it was about respect, redemption, and a small but symbolic victory for African players abroad.
