Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has reacted to his rift with Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has had a poor start to the 2025/2026, largely due to poor fitness after he missed the club’s pre-season preparations in trying to force a move to Inter Milan.

Lookman was taken off for Yunus Musah in La Dea’s clash against Marseille, and didn’t take the situation kindly. This resorted to Ivan Juric pulling the Nigerian by arm, which escalated the situation further.

In response, Lookman deleted every of his Instagram posts related to Atalanta, and went on to unfollow the club, sparking rumours of a possible January exit from Bergamo.

After the Champions League victory in Marseille, Ivan Juric is chasing a league victory to begin his climb back up the Serie A ladder.

“We’re behind, we need to get points and do exceptional things,” the Atalanta coach said in quotes revealed by Gazzetta.IT.

We can’t slow down any longer, and we shouldn’t underestimate Sassuolo because they have quality players, a truly rapid attack, and a coach like Grosso, whom I respect.

“Wednesday’s prestigious victory helps, but we need to keep resetting to get going again.

“The team continues to give me a great feeling, and has done so since the start of the season. And I’ve only had to raise my voice a few times, with very few players.”

Quizzed about Lookman’s antics at the club, the former Southampton manager said:

“He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen every now and then.

“Ademola is unusual; you get over it. And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships: with Carnesecchi we’ve opened up, and I feel much closer to him now.

He struggled, but he played a great game in Marseille, and I hope he continues to rise,” Juric concluded.

Lookman has scored just one goal for club and country this season across all competitions

The Nigerian forward finally opened his account for the season in Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan on Tuesday night, but his post-match comments and muted goal celebration have sparked speculation about his relationship with the club.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has endured a slow start to the season after a turbulent summer.

Lookman, who reportedly tried to push for a move away from Bergamo, has struggled to replicate the explosive form that helped Atalanta qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season.

On Tuesday night, the 28-year-old reminded fans of his quality. After Milan took an early lead through Samuele Ricci in the fourth minute, Lookman responded with a fine equalizer in the 35th minute, Football Italia reports. The Nigerian forward latched onto a pass from Mario Pasalic before rifling the ball into the roof of the net, a finish that reminds every one of his best form last term.

However, despite his goal, Atalanta could not find a winner and had to settle for a draw, their seventh of the season. The result keeps the Bergamo club unbeaten, but frustrations are growing among fans and players who expected more wins from the campaign’s opening stretch.

Lookman’s situation at Atalanta has been under scrutiny since the summer transfer window.

Following interest from Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, his future in Bergamo appeared uncertain.

The Super Eagles forward eventually stayed but began the season on the bench, featuring only briefly in Atalanta’s early matches.

Since then, he has fought his way back into the starting lineup, with improved performances in recent games. But when asked after the Milan draw if he was happy to be back at Atalanta, Lookman’s answer left more questions than answers.

“It’s important to be available for the team, to help the team,” Lookman told DAZN Italia.

“I’ve not been able to find form yet, physically or in front of goal, but I’ll get there eventually, and this was a step forward in the right direction. Hopefully in the coming games we’ll be able to get some wins.”

Pressed further about whether the goal meant he was happy to remain at the club; his response was notably evasive.

“I think that when I’m on the pitch, the most important thing is to try to help the team win. We want to keep climbing up the table, and that’s the most important thing, to win football games.”

Lookman’s subdued tone, combined with not celebrating his goal, suggested the bond between player and club is still fragile.

The Super Falcons have received a cash gift of N50 million from the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.

In a post shared on Instagram, the governor announced the reward for the team during their visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He also encouraged them to ensure they emerge victorious in their upcoming match.

Also commending the team for bagging the tenth WAFCON title in Morocco, Governor Abiodun said it is important to note that the team’s achievement is an inspiration to young Nigerian women across the globe.

“What the Falcons represent goes far beyond football. They embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can achieve greatness,” Abiodun said.

The governor also assured the Super Falcons of his administration effort to rehabilitate the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta into a global standard sports and tourism hub.

According to him, the stadium when completed will feature a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex alongside other modern facilities.