Nigerian striker Gift Orban has completed a loan switch from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim to Serie A outfit Hellas Verona FC. The deal, which includes an option for a permanent transfer, marks another chapter in the 24-year-old’s fast-moving career across Europe.
Orban’s Rapid Rise in Europe
Orban’s football journey began in Nigeria before moving to Norway in 2022, where he starred for Stabæk. He helped the club secure promotion to the Eliteserien while emerging as top scorer.
His exploits quickly earned him a move to Belgian side KAA Gent in January 2023, where he made headlines in the UEFA Europa Conference League by scoring the fastest hat-trick in UEFA competition history, three goals in just three minutes and 25 seconds against Istanbul Başakşehir.
The striker later joined Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1, but struggled to replicate his scoring form. In early 2025, he signed for Hoffenheim in Germany, impressing in flashes but now set for a fresh challenge in Italy.
Nigerian Presence in Serie A
At Hellas Verona, Orban will link up with other Nigerians making their mark in Italy’s top flight, such as David Okereke of Cremonese and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan. Verona will be hoping his attacking instinct and proven goal-scoring record can strengthen their push in Serie A.
With his move to Italy, Orban now has the opportunity to reignite his career and once again showcase the talent that has made him one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards.
