Nigerian rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, popularly known as Vector, has weighed in on the controversy between Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman, 9JaUpDate247 reports.
The 2024 CAF Player of the Year was at the centre stage of harsh criticism when the Italian gaffer publicly blasted the Nigerian following his missed penalty in the UEFA Champions League.
READ MORE: “The worst penalty taker I’ve ever seen”- Atalanta coach Gasperini blasts Ademola Lookman after Club Brugge loss
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page, Vector made a cryptic post that referenced both Lookman’s situation and Victor Osimhen’s past issues with Napoli.
“I thought I was a Victor [Osimhen] till Napoli started laughing. Make Lookman look well… this skin issue sha,” the rapper wrote.
“ I thought I was a victor till Napoli started laughing “ make lookman look well… this skin issue sha…
— Teslim. (@VectorThaViper) February 19, 2025
Vector’s statement appears to compare between Lookman’s current issue at Atalanta and Osimhen’s previous dispute with Napoli, where the club’s official TikTok account mocked the striker over a penalty miss.
Earlier, Gasperini had publicly criticised Lookman after the Nigerian winger missed a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.” he stated.
Lookman, in response, expressed his disappointment over the public criticism:
“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.
“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 to help bring success to this club and the incredible fans of Bergamo.”
This saga has sparked mixed reactions among the Nigerian football community, which has called for a summer exit, as it seems similar to the Osimhen issue—adding to Italians’ disrespect for Nigerian players.
