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Orban is getting ready to play for Nigeria in their final AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe, but he could have played for Togo or Benin Republic.
Super Eagles' new invitee Gift Orban has denied suggestions that he considered playing for Togo or Benin Republic ahead of Nigeria.
Orban is currently in Nigeria’s camp in Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.
Orban denies Togo rumours as he declares love for Nigeria
The 21-year-old received his first international call-up for the clash after a solid year for his Belgian club, Gent.
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13:05 - 06.09.2023
Super Eagles: Orban, Torunarigha and Boniface storm Uyo camp for Sao Tome and Principe
Big Boys Osimhen, Ndidi and Iwobi missing as Super Eagles camp in Uyo opens with Orban, Torunarigha and Boniface for Sao Tome and Principe.
However, while Orban is getting ready to make his debut for the three-time African champions, Orban could have played for Togo.
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The Gent attacker’s mom is from Togo, while his father is from Nigeria. Nonetheless, Orban insists he never considered playing from Togo, even though the West African nation needed someone like him.
Speaking in an interview with Fans Tribe at Nigeria’s camp in Uyo, Orban expressed his love for Nigeria, saying he does not ‘like Nigeria’ but loves the country.
“I don’t like Nigeria, I love it, this country. We have good players and good talent. I love it, this country,” Orban told Fans Tribe ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.
When asked if he ever considered playing for Togo or Benin, the 21-year-old said the reports were false.
“This is false, I never played for Benin or Togo. Many people talk, but I never played for Togo. Togo need players, but I don’t want to play for Togo,” Orban added.
Orban reaping the fruit of an explosive year
Orban’s call-up to the Super Eagles squad is well-deserved and good news for the country, especially after declaring his love.
The 21-year-old was one of the breakout stars in world football this year, having joined Gent from Staebek in January.
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09:45 - 09.09.2023
Nigeria vs Sao Tome and Principe: Super Eagles stars initiated with Burna Boy, 2face hits
The trio of Victor Boniface, Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha have been welcomed into the Super Eagles by their new teammates.
The 21-year-old’s name was on everyone’s lips after scoring 20 goals and registering two assists in his first six months at the Belgian club.
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Orban has continued in the same vein this season with six goals in nine games. He now has the opportunity to show his quality on the international scene with the Super Eagles.
The ex-Stabek attacker will likely have his opportunity as the match against Sao Tome is not only against one of the poorest teams from Africa but also a dead-rubber game for the Super Eagles.
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