Nigerians fume as Atalanta boss grabs Ademola Lookman during Champions League clash

Michael Adesina

A storm of outrage has erupted across Nigeria’s football community after Atalanta manager Ivan Juric was captured on camera grabbing Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman during a heated moment in Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter against Marseille.

The shocking incident occurred in the second half of the match, which Atalanta eventually won 1–0. Lookman, 28, had just been substituted when he appeared to exchange words with Juric — prompting the Croatian coach to grab his arm aggressively.

Lookman looked visibly stunned and upset by the confrontation before Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi and teammate Marten de Roon quickly stepped in to separate them, preventing the situation from escalating further.

At the time of the clash, the scoreline was still goalless. Lookman was replaced by Yunus Musah, while Lazar Samardzic’s 89th-minute strike later sealed the dramatic win for Atalanta.

However, instead of celebrating the victory, fans and pundits were left fuming over Juric’s behavior — with many Nigerians taking to social media to demand justice for Lookman.

Prominent sports journalist Pooja condemned the manager’s actions, saying:

“You can’t put your hands on a player. Atalanta must sack their manager. No matter what Lookman said, you don’t touch a player like that.”

Another fan, Praize Emeka, voiced concerns about the winger’s mental well-being:

“What is happening to Lookman genuinely feels like abuse — the type that can mess up your mental health in a toxic workspace. CAF or whatever international body needs to step up and fight for this man. Unlike Victor, he doesn’t talk, and that’s scary.”

Social media user Edward also weighed in, urging Lookman to make a career move:

“Ademola Lookman needs to leave Atalanta. He should also change his agent — I don’t get why you’d sit there, watch him get disrespected, and do nothing.”

The former Everton and Leicester City forward, who became a national hero after his stunning hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, has been a fan favourite in Nigeria. His calm demeanor and consistent performances have earned him admiration both at home and abroad.

Now, fans are demanding that Atalanta and European football authorities take disciplinary action against Juric, insisting that no player — especially one representing Africa on the global stage — should be subjected to such treatment.

As of press time, neither Lookman nor Atalanta had issued an official statement, but the incident has already sparked a global debate about respect and managerial conduct in elite football.