‘Our players are having issues’ - Ex-Super Eagles star slams ill-treatment of Osimhen and Lookman in Italy

Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has voiced his concerns following Ademola Lookman's exit from Atalanta, suggesting a troubling pattern has been evident for years. 

Lookman recently completed a €40 million transfer to Atlético Madrid, ending his successful stint in Italy.

Okpara's comments have reignited the debate, pointing to Victor Osimhen's past struggles at Napoli as another example of what he describes as a recurring problem for Nigerian talent in the league.

Speaking in an interview, the former Paris Saint-Germain defender praised the winger's professionalism while questioning the environment for Nigerian footballers in Italy.

"When you look at Lookman, he is a player that the whole nation loves, he’s a humble person and a well-determined player," Okpara stated. 

"What I observe in this Italian league is the way they are treating our players. I don’t understand. Lookman is not the first player."

He elaborated that this issue has impacted several Nigerian stars, noting that their performance often improves significantly after leaving Serie A.

"When you look at when [Victor] Osimhen was there, the same issue," he added. "Most of our players are having issues in the Italian league. I don’t know why. 

“And at the end of the day, when they leave there, you see that their game changes. Look at what Osimhen is doing in Galatasaray."

Lookman departs Atalanta, having established himself as one of the league's top attackers and was instrumental in their historic Europa League triumph. 

His move to Atlético Madrid makes him the second Nigerian player, after Abass Lawal, to represent the club's men's team.