By Anthony Nlebem.
With nine goals in eight matches across all competitions for KAA Gent in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League since making his debut February 11, Nigerian forward Gift Orban is hopeful of playing in the English Premier League in future.
The 20-year-old smashed in an amazing four goals, including a stunning free kick in Gent’s 6-2 win over Zulte Waregem in the Belgium Pro League match at the Jan Breydel Stadion on Sunday.
The Nigerian starlet, who joined the Belgian league from Norwegian club Stabaek in January, has registered seven goals in five league matches and has been grabbing the headlines for his extraordinary performances in Belgium’s topflight.
According to Opta Stats, the sensational Nigerian striker is the first KAA Gent player to score four goals in a Jupiler Pro League game this century.
No player in Europe’s Top 10 leagues has scored more goals than Gift Orban (nine) since he made his debut for Gent in February and speaking after Sunday’s game against Zulte Waregem, the Nigerian expressed joy at firing his team to victory, but hopes to play in the English Premier League in the future.
“Left or right, I don’t care, the victory is very important,” Orban told Gent’s website.
“My level has to be even higher if I ever want to play in the Premier League. There is still a lot of work to be done.”
The former Stabæk striker is not carried away by his goal numbers and is focused on scoring more goals.
“Don’t look at that. I play my matches and score my goals. You never know, that’s football.”
PUNCH Sports Extra was the first to report the youngster’s sensational form in the Belgian topflight league following his impressive performances since his arrival from Norwegian club Stabaek in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old won the Gantoise Player of The Month award, while one of his goals against Westerlo clinched the Goal of The Month award in February.