Avezzano midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi has urged Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to leave their current clubs this summer following their mistreatment.
His advice comes after Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman for missing a penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
This incident mirrors the situation Osimhen faced in 2023 when Napoli posted a controversial TikTok video appearing to mock him after he failed to convert a penalty.
Speaking to Sport Boom, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner shared his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing that both players deserve better treatment.
“I told Osimhen he had done the unimaginable for Napoli and should leave while the ovation was loudest. He chose to renew his contract, but when things went south, he reached out which proved my advice might have been right,” Onazi revealed.
Expressing disappointment in Gasperini’s comments, he defended Lookman’s contributions. “It’s unacceptable for an experienced coach to disrespect a key player like that.
Lookman has given his all for Atalanta, even coming back from injury to help the team. Any player even the best can miss a penalty,” he stated.
Onazi acknowledged that Atalanta took a chance on Lookman during a rough period in his career, but the winger has since repaid that faith with strong performances. However, given the lack of appreciation, he believes it might be time for a change.
“If he hadn’t performed, they would have let him go. Maybe it’s time for him to move on, find a new club, and enjoy his football elsewhere,” Onazi concluded.