Soccer
Ademola Lookman. Copyright: xAntonioxPozox/xPRESSINxIMAGO
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has thrown his full support behind Ademola Lookman’s decision to reject a lucrative move to Fenerbahce and instead complete a high-profile switch to Atletico Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.
After months of speculation surrounding his future at Atalanta, Lookman’s departure finally materialised this winter following his outstanding displays for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The forward’s performances attracted strong interest from across Europe, with both Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid pushing hardest to secure his signature.
For a while, the Turkish giants appeared to be leading the race. Reports indicated that Fenerbahce had met Atalanta’s valuation and tabled a more attractive financial package for the Nigerian international.
Despite the bigger salary on offer, Lookman ultimately chose to pursue his career in Spain, drawn by the sporting prestige of La Liga and the opportunity to compete regularly at the highest level.
Okpara believes the decision was a simple one and insists Lookman made the right career call by opting for Atletico over a move to Turkey.
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Soccer Lookman: Okpara hails Atletico Madrid move
Speaking in an interview with Footy-Africa, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Standard Liège defender did not hold back in his assessment.
“Just compare Fenerbahçe and Atlético Madrid,” Okpara said.
“Even a blind man wouldn’t choose Fenerbahçe. Not that it’s a bad league, quite the opposite. But it’s by being in the spotlight that you progress, where the whole world sees you. And that’s where La Liga comes in. It’s the ideal league for him.
“You know, we’re not saying the Turkish league is bad, no. Would you like to be in the spotlight? The whole world watches La Liga. Only two people watch the Turkish league. So, I mean, nobody would choose Fenerbahçe over going to Atlético Madrid.
“So it was the right choice. They knew themselves that Lookman wouldn’t come. They took a chance, and in the end, he refused. It was a risky gamble. I’m very happy for him. And it’s a good thing for our country.”
The 28-year-old has signed a deal with Atletico Madrid running until June 30, 2030 and has already made an immediate impact.
Lookman marked his debut in style with a goal and an assist in a commanding 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Betis.
His first La Liga outing was less joyful, ending in a narrow 1-0 home defeat to the same opponents, but the forward now has another big stage awaiting him.
Atletico return to Copa del Rey action on Thursday as they host Barcelona in the first leg of the semi-finals, with Lookman hoping to extend his impressive scoring record against Europe’s elite.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
A lifelong fan of Arsenal and the Super Eagles, Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng, where his journey as a journalist began more than six years ago. Since then, he has helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and guided it toward some of its proudest milestones.
With a background in Engineering and further training in journalism and digital media, Imhons brings both precision and passion to his storytelling. His love for football runs deep, but he also follows boxing, chess, and athletics with equal curiosity.
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