Former Super Eagles striker Simy Nwankwo has weighed in on the storm brewing around Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta, while also drawing parallels with the struggles Victor Osimhen endured at Napoli.
Fresh from his historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, Lookman made his intention to leave Bergamo clear. His push for a move to Paris Saint-Germain saw him left out of Atalanta’s opening three league matches, before he eventually returned to the fold and went on to enjoy another stellar campaign.
Now, with Inter Milan as his preferred destination, the Nerazzurri have submitted multiple bids, all turned down by La Dea. In response, the CAF Player of the Year withdrew from training and preseason games, and handed in a transfer request.
Osimhen, too, found himself in a similar battle last season when Napoli complicated his exit despite his talismanic role in delivering their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Simy hits out at Serie A owners over lack of respect for Super Eagles stars
For Simy, who has spent the bulk of his career in Italy, the treatment of Super Eagles stars players reveals a troubling pattern.
“It’s very unfair,” Simy told Complete Sports. “Napoli was very unfair to Victor. You can’t tell me after 33 years someone brings you a trophy, gives everything, and when he makes a demand, you make it difficult. People talk about what Napoli gave him but forget how much he gave.”
On Lookman, he was equally scathing. “He’s given everything, scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final and now wants the next step. Last year PSG was blocked, now it’s Inter. It’s shameful when clubs behave like this. You have to respect the player’s dreams.”
The former Crotone striker added that fans, often oblivious to the behind-the-scenes dynamics, will always be “selfish.” Yet, for him, one thing is clear.
“Ademola is the African Player of the Year. He deserves total respect. He is no less than anybody and should be treated as one of the top players in the world.”
