Ex-Lazio star tips forgotten Super Eagles star Orban to shine in Serie A after Verona move

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has backed compatriot Gift Orban to make his mark in Italy following his loan switch to Hellas Verona from Hoffenheim.

The 22-year-old Nigerian forward has endured a turbulent career with four moves in just 31 months, but Onazi believes this latest adventure in Serie A could be the turning point.

Orban’s transfer to Verona was completed with the Serie A outfit paying a €1 million loan fee while also taking on his full wages, alongside a €9 million option to buy next summer.

For Onazi, who enjoyed his own successful stint in Italy with Lazio, the move could prove decisive for Orban’s career growth.

“It is very good for him to come to Italy because it is one of the strongest leagues tactically in Europe, and it will be good for his career development. It will help him a lot in his game,” Onazi told footy-Africa.

The former Lazio star noted that Orban has shown flashes of brilliance across Norway, Belgium, France, and Germany, and now faces the ultimate test in Serie A.

Onazi is convinced that Verona supporters are in for a treat, describing Orban as a natural goalscorer who thrives when supplied with service.

“The fans will enjoy Gift in Verona. They should expect a lot of exciting football, and his teammates will also enjoy him. They should just supply him with balls in the box because he has the eyes for goals, and I believe he is going to do just that,” Onazi said.

For Orban, the move represents a chance to revive his form and prove himself in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues. If he adapts quickly, Verona may not hesitate to trigger the option to buy, potentially making Italy the stage for his long-awaited breakthrough.