Rita Odafe
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Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction and displeasure with the removal of Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman from a graphic celebrating Atalanta’s Europa League triumph by British media source, Sky Sports.
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Lookman made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first player to score three goals in a UEFA Europa League final.
The omission has generated criticism, with many blaming Sky News for the blunder.
Lookman’s Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, breaking the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match undefeated streak in all competitions.
This was also Atalanta’s first UEFA Europa League trophy and their first major championship since 1963.
Lookman was the standout of the game, scoring his third goal in the 75th minute.
Lookman’s first-half brace made him the first African to score twice in a major European championship final, and he went on to score a historic third.
Sky Sports released this photograph on their X account on Wednesday evening with the caption “BREAKING: Atalanta has WON the Europa League after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in Dublin.”
However, the snapshot only showed Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners.
The post has received criticism on the internet, particularly from X.com, for ignoring Lookman, who scored all three goals.
Nollywood actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, who tweets as @NseIkpeEtim, said, “This is shocking. Ademola Lookman scores a beautiful hat-trick and you couldn’t bring yourself to use an image of his. Sure you can do better.”
Also, investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, tweeting with the handle @fisayosoyombo, said, “Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman, who scored all three goals that fetched Atlanta the trophy did not make it to your cover photo? All of you @SkyFootball are collectively an unbelievable joke!”
A photojournalist who tweeps with the handle @PoojaMedia, said, “You are reporting the final without the history maker. Reason we’ve to hype our own to heavens but de@d heads will be dragging us. Una see now?”
Another X user, @Xandyy_Jay, said, “The whole world condemns this act. You can do better. Ademola Lookman should be the first person here. Why are you so biased?
One user, @Afc_Saks, created a new graphic image that included Lookman with the caption “Fixed it!”
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