African football icon Samuel Eto’o has shown support for reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman after the player faced heavy criticism for missing a penalty in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.
In his message, Eto’o praised Lookman for his courage and described him as “a champion” for all Africans.
“My younger brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes, the time for a match and then the next. For the rest of us, you are and will always be our champion. Only those who have the courage to shoot can miss. Thank you for your bravery, great champion,” he wrote.
The Atalanta winger was harshly criticized by his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, following their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Gasperini’s scathing remarks about Lookman’s penalty miss sparked a fierce backlash from Nigerian supporters, who took to social media to defend their compatriot.
During his post-match press conference, the Italian coach did not hold back, calling Lookman one of the worst penalty-takers he has ever seen.
“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 Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
These comments did not sit well with many football fans, especially Nigerians, who quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to hit back at Gasperini.
EE/MA
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