Togo to Gent: Gift Orban’s inspiring journey from obscurity to Nigeria’s next big thing

Gift Orban‘s meteoric rise to the edge of footballing stardom is a story of grit, determination, and perseverance.

From obscurity in Nigeria and Togo to the Belgian Pro League, the 20-year-old striker has taken the football world by storm, scoring goals for fun and winning accolades along the way.

Soccernet.ng takes a closer look at the youngster's inspiring journey, highlighting the key moments that shaped his rise to the edge of greatness.

Early struggles in Nigeria and Togo

Gift Emmanuel Orban's journey began in Nigeria, where he struggled to make a name for himself in the footballing world.

However, fate intervened when he moved to Togo for better opportunities. It was here that he caught the attention of renowned Nigerian scout Ola Fowler, who spotted Orban during a trials program in Lome.

Fowler invited him to Nigeria to feature in a program in Uyo, where Norwegian scouts spotted him. They were impressed and invited him to Norway for a trial, and Orban did not disappoint.

He signed for Stabaek FC on loan with an option to buy, marking the beginning of his European journey.

Uncovering the gem

Despite initial hiccups and visa issues, Orban impressed the powers that be at Stabaek FC with his exceptional performances, and they offered him a long-term deal until 2026.

The Bison FC academy product needed little time to adapt to life in Norway, and soon he became a nightmare to defenders in the country. 

Orban found the net with ease and became the top scorer in the 2022 Norwegian First Division with 16 goals, helping Stabaek win promotion to the 2023 Eliteserien.

Orban finished the season with 19 goals in all competitions in 24 games, making him a sensation in Norwegian football.

Move to Gent

Orban's impressive performances caught the attention of Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent, who signed him on a permanent deal for €3.30 million in January 2023. Critics deemed the fee too expensive, but Orban silenced them with his on-field exploits.

He scored nine goals in his first few games, including a stunning brace on his Pro League debut and a historic four-goal haul against Zulte Waregem that makes him the first player from the club to score four goals in a single Pro League game this century.

Aiming for higher

Fast, clinical, and ruthless, Orban is equally adept with both feet and plays with the seriousness of one who knows that the Belgian Pro League is a step toward something greater.

Orban's dream is to play in the Premier League, and he makes no secret of it.

He knows he still has much work to do to reach that level, but he is determined to get there.

“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,” Orban told Gent's official website.

With his talent, work ethic, and attitude, Orban is a rising star that could become Nigeria's next big thing.

Gift Emmanuel Orban's rise from obscurity to the edge of greatness is an inspiring story of a young footballer who refused to give up on his dream.

Through hard work, determination, and talent, Orban has overcome the odds and made a name for himself in Norway and Belgium.

He is a player to watch, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him.