Gift Orban is poised to join the growing Nigerian presence in the French Ligue 1, with Olympique Lyon reportedly on the verge of securing the young striker from Belgian club KAA Gent.
Reports from Pulse Sports indicate that Orban, who was overlooked by Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro for AFCON 2023, is set to make the move from Belgium to France in January.
According to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Lyon is finalizing the deal to sign the 21-year-old talent, and the completion of the transfer is expected in the coming hours.
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Romano announced the imminent move on social media, stating, “Olympique Lyon is set to sign Gift Orban, as the deal is being sealed, as @hugoguillemet revealed on L’Équipé.” He described it as a fantastic signing for Lyon, with the final details to be sorted out shortly.
Gift Orban, nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year for 2023, garnered attention after an impressive performance with Gent since joining in January 2023. He contributed significantly with 27 goals and two assists in 38 appearances during his first six months, propelling Gent to UEFA competitions.
Before joining Gent, Orban played for Norwegian side Stabæk, where he showcased his prowess with 19 goals and seven assists in 24 appearances.
Orban’s outstanding form attracted interest from top clubs, including Tottenham, who considered him as a potential successor to club legend Harry Kane. Despite the initial attention, Orban stayed in Belgium, but he now appears set to make a move to the French Ligue 1, joining the ranks of successful Nigerian strikers like Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.