He's lost — Struggling Super Eagles youngster Gift Orban called selfish by former Gent star

Izuchukwu Akawor 06:44 - 05 November 2023

Nigeria's Gift Orban. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Nigeria Super Eagles Invitee Gift Orban is no longer a guaranteed starter at Belgian side KAA Gent.

A former goalkeeper at KAA Gent has hit out hard on Nigeria Super Eagles forward Gift Orban after his recent poor form for the club.

Wim De Coninck believes Orban has only himself to blame after losing his starting berth at the Belgian club this season.

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Gift Orban has struggled for Gent in recent weeks || Image via X, formerly Twitter

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It is very strange — Gent boss opens up on Gift Orban's recent struggles

Gift Orban at Gent

The 21-year-old had a debut season to remember after he arrived Gent from Norwegian outfit, Starbaek, in January 2023.

Orban was rampant as he notched an impressive 20 goals in just 22 matches as Gent booked a place in Europe.

Gift Orban wins Player of the Month award

Gift Orban scored 20 goals last season for Gent. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The talented forward caught the attention of some giants of the game in Europe, including a sensational move to the Premier League, having been reportedly eyed by Tottenham as a Harry Kane replacement.

However, things have not gone to plan this campaign for the Nigerian youngster, who also netted the fastest hat-trick ever in European competition last season.

Gift Orban has scored just one goal in his last 10 matches for Gent. (photo credit: imago)

In his first full season, Orban has netted just one goal in his last ten matches and seven in 17 in all competitions. This has cost him his place in the Gent starting eleven.

Ex-Gent star slams Orban

Speaking on the Nigerian forward, a former goalkeeper at Gent, Coninck hinted that Orban is paying the price for being selfish.

Orban has been accused of selfishness. (Photo Credit: Gent/X)

"What Gift achieved in his first months in Ghent was miraculous, phenomenal,” he said per Het Nieuwsblad. It is normal that such a performance cannot last forever.

Even then, it was noticeable that he was mainly focused on himself. They've certainly tried to get him to focus more on the team, but he's kind of lost sight of that goal.

Especially now you see his shortcomings and he's fighting with himself. How do we solve this? It will take patience, I'm afraid. We very rarely see Orban in the zone of truth. It must be difficult for him. Just a few months ago, we were talking about a big move to England or somewhere else.

He added that Orban will have to be patient and work on himself while trying to be more of a team player if he wants tp reclaim his place in the team.

Gift Orban and Hugo Cuypers celebrate against Pogno. (Photo Credit: Gent/X)

Now he's on the bench in Gent and he has to overcome this difficult period, which is probably new for him," he added. I'm sure they try to talk to him a lot in Gent, but if they then put him on the bench.

Orban, who has scored just two goals in nine matches in the Jupiler this season, will be hoping to start for Gent when they take on Sporting Charleroi later on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8sF4aEhCnw

The Nigerian international was an unused substitute in the last game against Standard Liege and also missed the cup win against Patro Eisden in midweek.