Perhaps good news might be coming for Nigeria and KAA Gent striker Gift Orban, whose name was not on the Super Eagles list for the upcoming friendlies.
Gift Orban could still be part of the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique following the injury to Taiwo Awoniyi.
Following a rash of goals for KAA Gent early in the season, culminating in an invitation to the Super Eagles, Things have gone slow for Gift Orban.
Gift Orban can play for Nigeria and Togo as his father is from Benue State and his mother is a Togolese.
In the last Super Eagles shortlist for the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, the striker missed the cut.
Gift Orban may replace Taiwo Awoniyi
One name conspicuously missing from the Super Eagles shortlist for the upcoming friendly games was Gift Orban.
To be fair to those who drew up the list, the striker has not been in a rich vein of form.
The goal drought Gift Orban suffers has led to frustration, culminating in a red card in a recent league game.
With Taiwo Awoniyi injured, it is a chance for the KAA Gent striker to fill the void in the Super Eagles.
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi will miss Nigeria's upcoming friendlies after sustaining a groin injury in training.
He is set to be sidelined for up to a month. pic.twitter.com/mwTXOxpvZG
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) October 8, 2023
Gift Orban is now one of the potential replacements for the Nottingham Forest striker.
Perhaps he will get the chance to show his capabilities when the Super Eagles lock talons with Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Gift Orban was invited to the AFCON qualifying game against Sao Tome & Principe, but he did not play.
The KAA Gent striker is still awaiting his Super Eagles debut.
If he replaces Taiwo Awoniyi and gets his debut against either Saudi Arabia or Mozambique, he must impress Pesseiro to get more opportunities.
Gift Orban has the qualities to play for the Super Eagles, but things are not working for him at the moment.
According to his coach Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck insists that his current situation will make him stronger.
He opines that his problem is mental and he would overcome it.
Taiwo Awoniyi is out for a month
It is no longer news that Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi will not partake in the Super Eagles' upcoming friendlies.
Taiwo Awoniyi was invited for the friendlies that will take place in Portugal in the coming week, but he is out due to a groin injury.
Ahead of their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper told the press that Awoniyi would be on the sidelines for a month.
Cooper claimed Awoniyi copped the injury in the 1-1 draw with Brentford.
The absence of Awoniyi affords Gift Orban a chance to make a bold stake for a place in the Super Eagles.
Taiwo Awoniyi enjoyed a superlative start to the season, which included scoring a goal for Nottingham Forest against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Gift Orban is still wanted in England despite a drop in form
Gift Orban was in terrific form last season, with several Premier League clubs showing interest in the Nigerian striker.
A transfer to Tottenham in the summer did not materialize, but rumours suggest that the Lilywhites are still interested in the forward.
🚨Tottenham and Arsenal continue to be linked with Gift Orban, the 21-year-old Nigerian striker of KAA Gent.
🇳🇬 ⚪ #THFC 🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/ImGMTML35r— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) October 6, 2023
Tottenham is having a swell season despite the departure of their top scorer, Harry Kane, but reports suggest they are still on the lookout for a forward.
Gift Orban may still move in the January transfer window, but he needs to improve his goal-scoring form to help his chances.
AC Milan and Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the KAA Gent striker. A January transfer could still happen for the Gent forward.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
