Nigeria ‘stand with Lookman’ after his rage against Atalanta | OneFootball

The Ademola Lookman situation is escalating after his damning statement complaining of ‘broken promises’ and ‘bad treatment’ by Atalanta, as the Nigeria national team ‘stands with’ him.

The striker broke his silence on the club refusing to accept the latest offer from Inter, which is believed to be worth €42m plus €3m in add-ons.

La Dea are requesting €50m, but he insists the proposal is sufficient for a sale and they are “blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.”

Lookman rants at Atalanta

Nigerian player Ademola Lookman arrives for the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, 28 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED BADRA

He announced via Instagram that he has made a formal transfer request to Atalanta, although never mentioning Inter, this is his desired destination.

“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.”

Now the Nigeria national team has got involved with the situation, posting a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that puts the blame squarely on Atalanta.

“We stand with Ademola Lookman,” read the official Super Eagles team account.

Atalanta in turn feel that they are being unfairly maligned by holding out for a €50m asking price, one which other clubs may well be prepared to pay.

Set to turn 28 in October, Lookman was purchased from RB Leipzig for €10.85m plus add-ons in 2022 and flourished, winning the Europa League with a hat-trick in the Final and being named African Player of the Year.