Lookman Under Fire: Italian Media Points to Personal Struggles After Nigeria's World Cup Heartbreak
The Nigerian football community is reeling after the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Ademola Lookman finds himself at the center of a storm of criticism emanating from Italy. Following Nigeria's penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff, Italian outlets have heavily scrutinized the Atalanta star's dramatic drop in form.
The Transfer Saga and Its Aftermath
The roots of Lookman's current predicament trace back to the summer of 2025. The 2024 African Ballon d'Or winner pushed aggressively for a move to rivals Inter Milan. However, Atalanta stood firm, rejecting any offer below their €50 million valuation for the striker.
Lookman's reaction was drastic. He reportedly failed to show up for pre-season training and systematically removed all pictures associated with Atalanta from his Instagram account. This act of defiance led to him being frozen out of the team for several weeks. Despite eventually returning to group training, the 28-year-old has found it incredibly difficult to regain his match fitness and sharpness in the subsequent months.
A Season of Struggle on All Fronts
The consequences of this tumultuous period are starkly visible in his performance statistics. This season, Lookman has managed just one goal in ten appearances across all club competitions for Atalanta, a far cry from the form that made him a Europa League hero and a continental award winner.
This club-level struggle translated onto the international stage. His lack of form was cited as a significant factor in Nigeria's inability to overcome DR Congo, culminating in a national disappointment that has left fans and pundits alike searching for answers. Italian journalist Stefano Agresti encapsulated the sentiment, stating the player has "clearly lost his way" and that "everything is wrong."
What Lies Ahead for the Super Eagles Star?
With his contract at Atalanta running until June 2027, Lookman faces a critical period in his career. The task ahead is twofold: he must mend his relationship with his club and rededicate himself to finding the world-class form that once made him one of the most feared attackers in Serie A and a key figure for the Nigerian national team. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can overcome this challenging chapter.
