Gift Orban: Halted Super Eagles Dream?    

Since gaining prominence with his remarkable goal-scoring streak for KAA Gent, Gift Orban’s dream has always been to play for the Nigeria senior national team. His prayer was indeed answered last month when he was given a call-up for the Super Eagles AFCON qualifier match against Sao Tome and Principe but an injury he sustained in training ensured he won’t be part of the dead rubber encounter. With a double header international friendly on the way for the three-time African champion, he was certain his dream would eventually come to pass, but alas, it was not to be as Togolese FA wrote NFF that Orban is indeed of Togolese nationality and, therefore, eligible to represent Togo and not Nigeria in international competitions

Just when he thought he has won the heart of Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro and injury denying him of a first cap for the national team, a fresh trouble has come to halt Gift Orban’s dream after Togo FA claim that the KAA Gent striker is indeed a Togolese; something that has dealt a great blow to his participation in the 2023 AFCON for the three-time African champion.

The Togo Football Federation has taken steps to halt Gift Orban’s involvement with the Nigerian national team, sparking a debate over his nationality.

Orban’s journey began in Nigeria, where he struggled to make a name for himself in the footballing world.

However, fate intervened when he moved to Togo for better opportunities. It was here that he caught the attention of renowned Nigerian scout, Ola Fowler, who spotted Orban during a trials program in Lome.

The rising star gained prominence earlier this year with his remarkable goal-scoring streak for Belgian top-tier club KAA Gent.

Orban, having earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles just last month, missed his chance to debut due to an injury sustained during training and his anticipated appearance was postponed due to his injury.

With his return from injury, Orban was expected to join the national squad for upcoming fixtures in November.

However, the young talent’s name was conspicuously absent from the Super Eagles’ squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

Reports have suggested that Orban’s exclusion in November stems from an ongoing nationality dispute.

Allegedly, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) received correspondence from the Togolese FA asserting that Orban is, in fact, of Togolese nationality and, therefore, eligible to represent Togo in international competitions.

To avoid potential conflicts with FIFA regulations, the NFF has opted not to invite Orban to the national team until this matter is resolved.

This unexpected development may have significant implications for Orban’s international career, potentially ruling him out of Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast in January.

Orban currently holds a Nigerian passport and has publicly acknowledged his father’s roots in Benue State, while his mother hails from Togo.

Despite initial high expectations, Orban’s recent performance has dropped as a much-anticipated move to a major league failed to materialise.

Since his transfer to Gent from Norwegian club Stabaek in January, he has managed to net 26 goals.

Indeed, KAA Gent manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, has revealed that Orban has not been at his best compared to last season’s hot form, having scored two goals in seven appearances this season.

The 59-year-old boss said things are not going smoothly with the young Nigerian sharpshooter, even in training, which might see him have limited playing time.

The promising talent has recently piqued the interest of several teams, among which Tottenham Hotspurs were lining him up for a move to replace Harry Kane, who left for Bayern Munich.

The 21-year-old also gained Jose Peseiro’s attention, who invited him to the Super Eagles national team squad to face Sao Tome and Principe but could not feature after picking a slight knock in training.

His rival in Vanhaezebrouck’s starting lineup, Hugo Cuypers, has recently picked up an injury, which Orban is expected to take advantage of. However, with the latest from the Belgian manager, there seems not to be light at the end of the tunnel for Orban.

“Things are not going so smoothly with Gift either in training,” he said.

He explained further: “It’s very simple: someone who plays fantastically well in training always plays. Or you have to be new like my neighbour, because then you sometimes have to pick up some things. We also think it’s strange, but I also mentioned that last year: then everything worked and everything was great. Sometimes things just don’t work out, and Gift is just in such a moment, but that can also make him stronger, once he finds his way to the goal again.”

Meanwhile, AC Milan has set its sights on a potential striking sensation to bolster their squad, and one of the names gaining attention is Orban who has been drawing comparisons to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

According to Calciomercato.com, Milan is actively considering multiple strikers for a future signing, with their sights set on a player who could potentially succeed Olivier Giroud.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, Orban has not been at his best, and has started the 2023-24 season campaign on a low stats, scoring just two goals in his last eight domestic league appearances compared to last season.

Despite these performances, the Super Eagles invitee has emerged as a promising option for the Rossoneri who could

Orban has ample time for further development, and it’s no surprise that several clubs are closely monitoring his progress, eagerly anticipating the chance to secure his services.

Interestingly, Fulham are also reportedly eyeing a move for Orban as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovi.

According to Team Talk, the Cottagers are seeking to pursue a deal for the Nigerian striker in the January transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Fulham had brought in Raúl Jiménez as a replacement for Mitrovi but the Mexican has struggled to make an impact, failing to score in all of his eight appearances for the London-based side.

Orban was linked with Tottenham in the just-concluded transfer window as a replacement for Harry Kane but Gent’s valuation of the diminutive forward was too excessive for Spurs.

With Tottenham enjoying a brilliant start to the season that has seen them sit atop the Premier League standings and scoring 18 goals after eight games, it remains to be seen whether they still retain their interest in the services of the Gent forward.