Nigerian football fans are in high spirits as Ademola Lookman trends on social media following the sack of Atalanta manager, Ivan Juric, who infamously clashed with the Super Eagles winger last week during a UEFA Champions League match.
Juric was dismissed on Wednesday evening after a dismal run of form, securing just two wins in 11 Serie A matches. Italian media reports confirm that Raffaele Palladino, former Monza and Fiorentina boss, is set to replace him.
The news sparked jubilation among Nigerian fans, who viewed Juric’s firing as poetic justice after his public altercation with Lookman during Atalanta’s clash against Marseille.
During the match, Juric substituted Lookman in the 76th minute, prompting visible frustration from the Nigerian. As Lookman walked off, Juric grabbed and shoved him, forcing teammates to intervene and separate the two. Despite the tension, Atalanta went on to win 1–0.
Just days later, Juric appeared to double down — substituting Lookman again in the 78th minute during a league match against Sassuolo, which ended in a 3–0 defeat. That loss reportedly sealed his fate.
Juric’s managerial record had already been under heavy criticism. Before joining Atalanta, he oversaw Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, winning just one out of 14 matches. His dismissal marks the second managerial casualty since Lookman’s turbulent stint with Atalanta began.
Meanwhile, Nigerian fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been celebrating the decision, using hashtags like #JusticeForLookman and #KarmaFC, with many predicting the winger will “shine again” in Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifier against Gabon this Thursday in Morocco
“Now that Juric is gone, Lookman can finally play with freedom again. Watch him score a brace for Nigeria,” one fan posted.
Lookman’s situation at Atalanta has also drawn attention due to transfer controversies. Despite reported interest from Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG, the club allegedly refused to sell after raising his price tag when suitors matched their original valuation — effectively leaving him stuck in Bergamo.
As the dust settles, fans hope that Juric’s exit will mark a turning point for Lookman, whose stellar form for Nigeria has made him one of Africa’s most exciting attackers.
