Two-time AFCON winner and four-time African Player of the Year, Samuel Eto’o has offered words of encouragement to Ademola Lookman following a controversial penalty incident that has sparked heated debates among supporters.
Ademola Lookman made a remarkable comeback from a knee injury just in time for Atalanta’s crucial Champions League match against Club Brugge. Despite Atalanta’s 3-0 halftime deficit, Lookman scored an impressive goal shortly after being substituted into the game.
However, Lookman’s missed penalty in the second half drew harsh criticism from his head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who claimed that Lookman was the worst penalty taker he had ever seen and suggested that he should have allowed Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere to take the spot kick instead.
In response to his coach’s comments, Lookman expressed feeling disrespected and hurt, stating that he was instructed by the team’s penalty taker to take the shot. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has sparked ongoing debates about who was right or wrong among pundits and supporters.
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Due to the ongoing controversy, African and Cameroonian legend, Samuel Eto’o has come out in support of Lookman, posting a message on his official Instagram page, reminding the Nigerian forward that football memories are short-lived and encouraged him to stay courageous.
“My younger brother, memory in football lasts 90mins, the time of a match and next. For us, you are and will always be our Champion only he who has the courage to shoot can miss. Thank you for your courage great champion,” Eto’s post read.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Atalanta attempted to clarify the situation with Gasperini. Although Lookman is reportedly still set to leave the club, the team’s priority remains preparing for their upcoming Serie A match against Empoli, where they will aim to close the gap on league leaders Napoli.
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