Super Eagles invitee, Gift Orban, is closing in on a season-long loan move to newly promoted Turkish Super Lig club Amedspor, from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, joining a growing list of Nigerian players plying their trade in Turkish football.
According to Turkish journalist Ertan Suzgun, Hoffenheim and Amedspor have reached a full verbal agreement over the deal for the 2026/27 season, which includes an option for the Turkish club to sign the striker permanently when the loan expires next summer.
Personal Agreement
Orban has already agreed personal terms with Amedspor and is expected to travel to Turkey for his medical examination before being officially unveiled.
The move follows Orban’s return to Hoffenheim after a season-long loan at Italian side Hellas Verona, who opted against triggering a purchase option in his contract following their relegation from Serie A.
The 24-year-old still produced seven goals and two assists in 28 league appearances for Verona despite the club’s struggles, and remains under contract with Hoffenheim until June 30, 2029, with Transfermarkt valuing him at around €7m.
Orban’s Background
Born in Benue State to a Nigerian father and Togolese mother, Orban first drew attention after leaving Nigerian side Bison FC for Norwegian club Stabaek in 2022, where he scored 16 league goals in 22 matches to win the Golden Boot and Young Player of the Year award while helping the club to promotion.
His form earned him a move to Belgian side Gent in January 2023, where he scored 32 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, including a hat-trick scored in three minutes against Istanbul Basaksehir in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
French club Lyon signed him in January 2024 for a fee of up to €20m, but he managed just five goals in 21 appearances before joining Hoffenheim in January 2025 for a reported €9m.
Eligible to represent both Nigeria and Togo, Orban chose Nigeria and received his first Super Eagles invitation in September 2023 under then head coach Jose Peseiro, for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe, though injuries and competition from established forwards, including Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, have limited his opportunities with the national team.
Orban’s expected move continues a growing trend of Super Eagles players in Turkish football, following Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, who both won trophies in Turkey last season, Wilfred Ndidi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who recently completed a move to Bursaspor.
A productive season with Amedspor could give Orban the regular game time he needs to strengthen his case for a more prominent role in Chelle’s squad ahead of future Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Credit: punchng.com
