2023 has definitely been the year of potential Nigeria Super Eagles forward Gift Orban. The young Nigerian first caught everyone’s eye when he scored seven goals in the space of three days in the League as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League back in March.
His three minute hattrick for Gent against Basaksehir FK in the conference League was the fastest club hattrick in the history of UEFA competition.
Since then, the whole of Europe was made to pay attention to the 20 year old Nigerian who has shown himself to be a special talent.
GIFT ORBAN SCORES HIS 20TH GENT GOAL!!
He made his debut in February 😳 pic.twitter.com/KTA5X6Bkjv
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) May 20, 2023
It was business as usual for Orban the weekend as he scored for Gent against Cercle Brugge. This goal took his tally to 20 for the season for Gent in 20 games played for the Belgian side.
Orban scored the equalizing goal in Gent’s 2-2 draw at home against Cercle Brugge in their Pro League qualifying round. Togolese international striker, Kevin Denkey opened the scoring early on in the game before Orban got the goal to make it 1-1 in the 49th minute off the assist by Andrew Hjulsager.
GIFT ORBAN 🇳🇬(2002) WITH HIS 20TH GOAL IN AS MANY MATCHES FOR THE EQUALIZER!!!pic.twitter.com/hAwmEEeopg
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) May 21, 2023
The Buffaloes were once again pegged back by Cercle Brugge who went ahead in the 70th minute through Ayase Ueda before Hugo Cuypers got the equalizer late in the game. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check.
The draw meant that Gent will be playing European football next season as they top their European Playoffs table.
His phenomenal goalscoring form is more impressive when you consider that he just moved to a new League in January.
He does not look like stopping anytime soon either as he has scored six goals in his last four games and is hungry for more.
He will definitely be a strong candidate for the CAF youth player of the year award as the biggest teams in Europe will definitely have him on their radar now with the form that he has shown this season; especially the Premier League.
Orban Wants to Play in the Premier League
He said in a recent interview that he would love to go to the Premier League someday but he currently has a four year contract at the Belgian side so an exit is unlikely at the moment.
🇳🇬🗣️ Gift Orban: "My ultimate dream is to play in the Premier League. Man United, Liverpool, Man City."
"I don't like Arsenal alone, it's like they don't want to win titles. I want to go somewhere where they do." (Sporza) pic.twitter.com/QLkUedQrgK
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 20, 2023
“Playing in a big league. At a club where I feel comfortable and where I play. The Premier League is my ultimate dream. Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City.”
“I don’t really like Arsenal that much – it’s like they don’t want to win titles. They play and sell players – that’s it.
“I want to go somewhere where they win prizes. At Real Madrid they don’t have time for tiki-taka, there they just grab titles.”
“I still have a four-year contract here & am not 0%, but less than 0% on a departure.”
“You have to aim high in life and who says no to a bigger salary? (laughs) Neither do you? But I'm still too young for Saudi Arabia. Playing in a stadium with 3 supporters is not for me,” said Orban.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
