Nigerians have expressed anger and disappointment after British media outlet Sky Sports omitted Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from a graphic celebrating Atalanta’s Europa League victory.
Lookman made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final. His omission from the graphic, posted by @SkyFootball on X.com, has sparked outrage among fans and critics alike.
In the Europa League final, Lookman’s Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Lookman was the star of the night, scoring his third goal of the game in the 75th minute. His first-half brace made him the first African to score two goals in the final of a major European competition before he added a historic third.
Sky Sports posted an image on its X handle on Wednesday evening with the caption, “BREAKING: Atalanta have WON the Europa League after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in Dublin.” However, the image only included Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners, omitting Lookman.
The post has been heavily criticized on social media, particularly on X.com, for excluding Lookman, who scored all three goals. Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe-Etim tweeted, “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.”
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo also voiced his disapproval, tweeting, “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, using the handle @PoojaMedia, commented, “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, added, “The whole world condemns this act. You can do better. Ademola Lookman should be the first person here. Why are you so biased?”
In response to the backlash, one user, @Afc_Saks, created a new graphic image that included Lookman with the caption “Fixed it!”
The controversy highlights the importance of representation and recognition in media, especially when celebrating significant achievements in sports.
