Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has praised Ademola Lookman for choosing to remain at Atalanta despite the transfer drama.

The Nigerian winger had reportedly pushed for a move away during the summer, leading to tensions with the club and its fans. However, Lookman returned to action in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Torino on September 21, putting the dispute behind him.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Yakubu applauded both the player and the club for resolving their differences.

“I know situations like this can be very difficult for a player. When a move you were expecting doesn’t happen, it affects your state of mind. But I must commend Lookman for staying patient and Atalanta for welcoming him back in," Yakubu said.

“For me, the most important thing is that he is back on the pitch, because that is where he can do what he does best, scoring goals and making an impact for his team.”

Yakubu, who represented Nigeria at three AFCONs and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, added that Lookman’s future remains bright if he keeps his focus.

“Atalanta needs him, and he also needs Atalanta to keep pushing his career forward. It’s good to see they have found common ground, and I hope from here he can enjoy his football again, stay focused, and deliver the performances we all know he is capable of,” he added.

Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta since his arrival in 2022, famously scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen.