Okpara used the transfer sagas of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as prime examples.

In an interview with Soccernet, the former international, who earned 28 caps for Nigeria, said the experiences of both players highlight deeper issues within Italian football when it comes to handling African stars, particularly Nigerians seeking moves away from the league.

"When you look at Lookman, he's a player the whole nation loves. He's humble, disciplined and determined," Okpara said.

Okpara questioned why players who have delivered historic success for their clubs often find it difficult to secure amicable exits.

"What I observe in the Italian league is the way they are treating our players. I don't understand it. Lookman is not the first," he added.

The former defender also pointed to Osimhen's turbulent final months at Napoli, where prolonged negotiations and a rigid stance on his release clause complicated his attempts to leave.

"When Osimhen was there, it was the same issue. Most of our players are having problems in the Italian league, and I don't know why," Okpara continued.

Okpara noted that a common trend emerges once Nigerian players leave Serie A, often rediscovering their best form elsewhere. He cited Osimhen's impressive displays since joining Turkish giants Galatasaray as evidence.

"At the end of the day, when they leave, you see that their game changes," he said.

Both Osimhen and Lookman enjoyed iconic spells in Italy. Osimhen powered Napoli to their first Scudetto since the 1980s, while Lookman ended Atalanta's 61-year wait for a major trophy by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Despite those achievements, Lookman endured public criticism from Gasperini after a missed penalty in a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge and faced repeated blocked transfer attempts, including a rejected bid from Paris Saint-Germain.

His frustrations culminated in a brief strike last summer, while Osimhen's situation eventually led to his exit to Galatasaray.

Former Nigeria defender hits out at Serie A over player treatment