Nigerians have voiced their frustration and disappointment following the omission of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from a graphic celebrating Atalanta’s Europa League victory by a British media outlet, Sky Sports.
Lookman made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final.
The omission has sparked outrage, with many calling out Sky News for their oversight.
Lookman’s Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
This was also Atalanta’s first-ever UEFA Europa League title and their first major title win since 1963.
Lookman was the star of the night, scoring his third goal of the game in the 75th minute.
Lookman’s 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”.
BREAKING: Atalanta have WON the Europa League after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in Dublin🏆🚨 pic.twitter.com/NXbJo18Xjh
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 22, 2024
However, the image only included Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners.
The post has been bashed on the internet, especially on X.com, for excluding 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!”