Playing for Super Eagles a dream come through – Gift Orban

KAA Gent forward, Gift Orban, has revealed that he never contemplated representing the Togolese national team, despite being born to a Nigerian father and a Togolese mother.

Orban, who is 21 years old, recently received his first call-up from Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe. In the past, he had been summoned to join the Olympic Eagles for the 2023 Africa U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea earlier in the year. However, his club, Belgian Pro League side Gent, declined the invitation.

Despite his remarkable performance at the club level, Orban had not been selected by Peseiro for previous 2023 AFCON qualifiers. The striker indicated that his ultimate aspiration was to represent the Super Eagles, even though he has Togolese roots.

“I have always believed that one day I will play for the Super Eagles. My mother is from Togo and I always visited him over there , but my greatest ambition is to represent Nigeria, ”he told Completesports.com.

“I am closer to fulfilling that ambition now. I can’t wait to get on the pitch against Sao Tome and Principe.”