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Serie A side Bologna have reportedly identified Nigerian forward Gift Orban as a transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Orban is currently on loan at fellow Serie A club Hellas Verona from Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim.
The 23-year-old is expected to return to Hoffenheim after Verona opted against making his move permanent.
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The former Lyon striker registered seven goals in 28 league appearances for Verona this season.
Orban has, however, not featured in the club’s last four matches following his altercation with a fan after the home defeat to AC Milan last month.
According to Transferfeed, the Nigerian is valued at around €8m and is considered an affordable option for Bologna.
His experience in Serie A is also seen as a key factor that could facilitate the move.
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
Nigeria is busy (“looking in Sokoto for what is in their shokoto”)by chasing lower division and lower league players across Europe, when they should be clarifying Gift Orban’s status with CAS. Who are Yira Sor, Salim Fago, Owen Oseni next to Gift Orban?
It baffles the mind how the NFF and Gift Orban’s representatives have not been able to administratively resolve this nationality issue of Gift Orban.
He is such a technically gifted player who can raise the profile of the Super Eagles frontline.
But, Coach Chelle seems to have his sights set on suitable strikers who are potentially available to kit for the Super Eagles at the drop of a hat.
The question is: who is Orban’s management company? Why aren’t they proactive in this matter? What of Orban himself, what has he got to hide? What international passport is his European work permit stamped on? If he is using a Nigerian passport, doesn’t that resolve the matter once and for all?
This matter seems to be shrouded in a mist of mystery which perhaps might explain why the NFF is giving the player “a wide berth”.
On this occasion, I don’t blame the NFF too much. Orban, and his representatives have to share in the blame.