Ogenyi Onazi, a seasoned Nigerian footballer currently playing for Avezzano in Italy, has publicly urged two prominent Super Eagles players, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, to consider exiting their current clubs this summer. Onazi’s advice stems from recent incidents highlighting what he perceives as disrespectful treatment towards both players, potentially jeopardizing their careers and mental well-being. His concern is rooted in the belief that both players have proven their worth and deserve to be in environments that appreciate and nurture their talent.
Onazi’s primary focus is on Ademola Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta. He was deeply disturbed by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s public criticism of Lookman after the player missed a penalty against Club Brugge, a miss that coincided with Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League. Gasperini’s comment, labeling Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers he’d ever seen, struck Onazi as deeply disrespectful, particularly given Lookman’s contributions to the team. Onazi highlighted the irony of the situation, pointing out that Lookman, despite returning from injury, scored shortly after coming on as a substitute, almost single-handedly reviving Atalanta’s hopes in the game. He argued that missing a penalty is part of the game and doesn’t diminish a player’s overall ability, especially one who has consistently delivered for the team.
Further adding to the controversy, Lookman subsequently released a statement refuting Gasperini’s version of events. He asserted that the designated penalty taker had explicitly instructed him to take the penalty, directly contradicting the manager’s narrative. This public disagreement further underscores the strained relationship between player and manager, reinforcing Onazi’s belief that Lookman deserves a more supportive environment. Onazi emphasizes that Lookman’s contributions to Atalanta, including a hat-trick in the previous season’s Europa League final which secured the club’s first European trophy, should warrant more respect and understanding.
Onazi draws a parallel between Lookman’s situation and Victor Osimhen’s experience with Napoli last year. He recalls advising Osimhen to leave Napoli while he was at the peak of his performance, after the club released a video appearing to mock him for missing a penalty. Onazi believes that this incident foreshadowed a decline in Osimhen’s relationship with the club. Despite opting to renew his contract at the time, Osimhen eventually left Napoli on loan to Galatasaray, where he has since rediscovered his form, scoring prolifically and proving his value. Onazi uses this example to illustrate the potential pitfalls of staying in an environment that doesn’t fully appreciate a player’s worth, suggesting that Lookman should heed this lesson and move on to a club that values his contributions.
Onazi firmly believes that Lookman deserves better than the treatment he received from Gasperini. He acknowledges that Atalanta gave Lookman a chance during a challenging period in his career, and Lookman repaid their faith with strong performances. However, Onazi argues that the recent incident, coupled with Lookman’s consistent output despite limited appearances, suggests it’s time for him to seek a new club where his talent and dedication will be truly appreciated. He feels that Lookman’s proven ability, including his impressive goal contributions this season despite not being a regular starter, makes him a valuable asset deserving of respect and a positive environment.
In essence, Ogenyi Onazi advocates for both Lookman and Osimhen to prioritize their careers and well-being. He believes that remaining in situations where they are subjected to disrespect, regardless of their on-field contributions, could negatively impact their performance and mental health. He encourages both players to seek out clubs that value their talent and provide a supportive environment where they can thrive. Onazi’s advice, born from his own experience in professional football, underscores the importance of respecting players and recognizing their contributions, advocating for a more harmonious and supportive atmosphere within the sport.
