Former Nigerian youth international Sambo Choji, talking exclusively to Footy-Africa, express belief that Ademola Lookman‘s first appearance for Atalanta since last season could be the start of a fresh chapter for the winger.
After a turbulent summer marked by transfer drama and uncertainty, the 27-year-old forward finally stepped back onto the pitch for Atalanta.
“What happened in the summer is not good for the player,” Choji exclusively told Footy-Africa. “We all thought that after what he did for Atalanta last season, they would allow him to leave at the end of the season, but it did not happen.”
Choji, who was part of Nigeria’s 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets squad, added that missing preseason affected Lookman’s rhythm and fitness.
“He did not do preseason with them, which is very important for any player, and it kind of affected his fitness. Even when he came to play for Nigeria during the last World Cup qualifiers, you could see he was a bit off form and lacking match sharpness,” he noted.
Still, the former winger, who played much of his career in Germany insists there’s reason for optimism.
“I am happy he was able to get onto the pitch in their last game, and I hope he and their new coach can put their differences aside and work professionally. He still has a contract until 2027, so it will be good for him to forget about the past and do his best to show everyone that he is still the same player we all love and admire. I wish him all the best this season with his team,” Choji concluded.
‘If he performs well, there will be interest from other clubs’: Gambo on Lookman
Lookman was at the centre of a transfer stand-off with the Bergamo club after Inter Milan submitted a bid for his services. Atalanta rejected the offer, which left Lookman frustrated. He later took to social media to vent his anger, formally submitted a transfer request, and even skipped preseason.
The fallout saw Lookman exiled from the main squad, training alone while Atalanta prepared for the new campaign under head coach Ivan Jurić.
But last weekend marked a turning point. Lookman was named in the matchday squad for Atalanta’s 3-0 win away at Torino. Goals from Nicola Kristović (brace) and Kamaldeen Sulemana sealed the victory, with Lookman making a brief cameo in the 87th minute.
3 𝑮𝑶𝑨𝑳𝑺 ➡️ 3 𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑺 🖤💙
@acqua_lete | #TorinoAtalanta 0-3 FT #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/ABsBYslDFJ— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) September 21, 2025
Lookman will be hoping to build on a strong 2024/25 campaign in which he played a key role for the Serie A side, scoring 20 goals across all competitions.
