From Hero to Villain: Lookman Under Fire in Italy After Nigeria’s World Cup Failure
Ademola Lookman has come under heavy criticism in Italy after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup compounded his struggles at club level.
The Atalanta forward, once celebrated as the hero who inspired the Bergamo side to their first European trophy and crowned African Ballon d’Or winner in 2024, is now facing questions about his form and decisions both on and off the pitch.
Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup play-off final, decided on penalties, has intensified scrutiny of Lookman, who has endured a difficult start to the season.
Italian media, particularly Gazzetta dello Sport, described him as a player who ‘got everything wrong,’ pointing to his stalled momentum since last summer when he attempted to force a move to Inter.
Atalanta rejected any bid below €50 million, but Lookman’s refusal to attend pre-season training and his removal of Atalanta-related content from social media created a rupture with the club.
Frozen out for several weeks, Lookman has since struggled to regain sharpness. He has managed just one goal in ten appearances across all competitions this season, a stark contrast to his prolific form in previous campaigns.
Critics argue that his decision to push for a transfer destabilised his career, leaving him caught between disappointment at international level and frustration in Bergamo.
At 28, Lookman still has time to recover his form, but the pressure is mounting. His contract with Atalanta runs until June 2027, yet his current trajectory has raised doubts about whether he can rediscover the consistency that once made him one of Africa’s most celebrated forwards.
