Follow Up: With Brace, Lookman Silences Critics As Atalanta Thrash Empoli 5-0

Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, on Sunday, delivered a sensational performance, scoring twice as Atalanta cruised to dominant 5-0 win over Empoli.

OTN News had earlier reported that the Nigerian winger, was recently criticized by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.

OTN News recalls that the manager, quickly made an U-turn over his words at Lookman after controversy erupted. 

Nevertheless, Lookman responded his critics with opening his account in the 43rd minute, rounding the goalkeeper after a Mario Retegui assist to slot home Atalanta’s third goal.

He then doubled his tally in the second half, driving forward from the center circle before finding the bottom right corner with a precise left-footed finish.

OTN News observes that with 17 goals and 7 assists in 29 matches this season, Lookman continues to prove his worth, becoming the first player in the last three Serie A seasons to score more than ten goals each campaign, according to Opta.

OTN News further reports that Atalanta had already taken control through an Emmanuel Gyasi own goal and a Retegui strike before Lookman’s brace as Davide Zappacosta sealed the win with a fifth goal, courtesy of Mario Pasalic’s assist.

OTN News however, further observes that Lookman’s red-hot form is a major boost for Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.