Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has called on his compatriots, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, to leave the Italian league.
He stated that this move is necessary for them to take their careers to a higher level.
Osimhen was one of the key players in Napoli‘s title-winning season, securing the top scorer award. However, after Luciano Spalletti left his position as head coach, Osimhen had difficulties with the two managers who succeeded him.
Following a missed penalty, he was even mocked on the club’s social media account. This season, he has played 25 matches for Galatasaray, scoring 20 goals and providing 5 assists.
Ademola Lookman, on the other hand, led Atalanta to the 2024 UEFA Europa League title, scoring a hat-trick in the final to secure victory for his team.
However, after recently returning from injury, he was publicly criticized by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for missing a penalty in the match against Club Brugge. This came despite the fact that Lookman scored his team’s only goal in that game.
Having previously played for Lazio, Onazi shared his thoughts on why both players should leave Italy:
“I told him that he [Osimhen] had accomplished the unthinkable for Napoli and the city, and that he should leave while the ovation was still strong. He chose to renew his contract instead, and when things went south, he reached out—proving that perhaps my advice had been the better option.”
“It is incredibly disappointing to hear such remarks from an experienced coach about one of his best players. Disrespecting a young player [Lookman] who has given so much to the team is unacceptable.”
“This player isn’t just any talent—he’s the current African Player of the Year and consistently gives his all for Atalanta. Despite coming off an injury, he returned and helped put his team back into the game. After all, anyone—even the very best—can miss a penalty.”
“Atalanta took a chance on him during a difficult phase in his career, and he has since proven his worth. If he had not performed, they would likely have let him go. In my opinion, it may be time for him to move on, find a new club, and enjoy his football elsewhere.”