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Nigerian forward Gift Orban has opened up about his struggles and how he was driven by poverty to make it to the biggest stage in football.
The talented striker made a switch to Lyon from Belgian side Gent in January, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Ligue 1 side for a transfer fee of €12 million, which could rise to €20 million with add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause.
The 21-year-old, who lit up Europe with 14 goals in 16 Europa Conference League matches, has found it difficult to settle into his new side, scoring just once so far in nine appearances.
Speaking in an interview published by L'Équipe this Thursday, Orban opened up about his struggles and why he has the drive to succeed.
'Being poor in Europe and poor in Africa are different'
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During the interview with L'Équipe, the striker, who hails from Benue State, explained the difference between life in Europe and life in Africa.
"I can’t explain it because you can’t understand. You were born in Europe, it’s not like being born in Africa," he said while addressing the interviewer.
"If you’re poor in France, the state can help you, charities can help you and take care of you. In Africa, no one gives you anything, and you die of hunger. That’s why we all want to play football ,” he explained.
The Super Eagles hopeful also believes that “there are poor in Europe and poor in Africa” . “We can't even compare, it will never be the same. You must have experienced it like me. You sleep in places... It's too hard. Then you get up in the morning and you don’t find anything to eat ,” he recalled.
Orban explains why he is desperate to succeed
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While he might be struggling to settle into his new side, Orban’s drive cannot be questioned, and he explained why he will go all the way to succeed.
The poverty he witnessed is a major reason why the striker is desperate to succeed.
“That’s what gives you determination, he said. “Now, I want to succeed in life in order to be able to help. Not only my family, that’s already obviously the case, but I want to help all poor people, orphans," he added.
Orban is of Togolese descent through his mother, which makes him eligible to represent both Nigeria and Togo. The striker is yet to make his debut for Nigeria but has been considered several times. He was invited to the Super Eagles last year but opted out due to an injury.
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