Nigerian striker Gift Orban on March 15 entered UEFA Conference League history book with a 3-minute hat-trick as KAA Genk thrashed Istanbul Basakeshir to reach the last-8. In this article, Sportsration takes you through all you need to know about the 20-year old.
WHEN WAS HE BORN
Orban was born on 17 July 2002. He grew up in Togo as well as spending a portion of those formative years in Nigeria.
ROAD TO PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
Like other talented youngsters in Nigeria who have a dream of playing football professionally, Orban played street and grassroots football until luck smiled on him in November 2021,
Young Orban participated in a scouting program organized by foremost football agent Atta Aneke in Nigeria. At the showcasing program, Gift Orban impressed the team and was scouted by Stabæk’s Torgeir Bjarmann and Thomas Finstad . He trained with Stabæk during the winter of 2022.
ORBAN BOUNCE TO STARDOM
In Norway, Orban scored his first goals in cup matches against semi-professional teams Notodden and Gjøvik-Lyn . After this, he became a starting player for Stabæk. His goal against SK Brann was compared to Alanzinho’s time at Stabæk. The Nigeria forward went on to become the top scorer in the 2022 Norwegian First Division with 16 goals.
On 31 January 2023, Orban joined Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent on a permanent deal as replacement for compatriot Paul Onuachu who was heading to English Premier League side Southampton.
With huge expectations on his shoulder as replacement for free scoring Onuachu, Orban got off to a best possibble start with a brace on his Pro League debut in a 3–3 draw with Westerlo. On 12 March, Orban scored four goals in a 6–2 away win over Zulte Waregem to become the first Gent player to do so in this century.
15 March, will remain memorable for Orban as he scored a hat-trick in 4–1 away win over Istanbul Basakeshir in the UEFA Europa Conference League round 16. The hat-trick was scored within three minutes and 25 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest hat-rick in UEFA club competitions, breaking the previous record of six minutes and 12 seconds held by Egypt`s Mohammed Salah in the UEFA Champions League.
ORBAN IN THE SUPER EAGLES
But for Nigeria`s massive depth in attack, Orban has done enough to deserve a spot in the latest Super Eagles team for the AFCON qualifiers vs Guinea-Bissau.
With his talent, all Orban needs to do now is to continue scoring goals and soon the call-up will arrive.
