“TSG trusts me, and that is important,” Orban opens up on Lyon's exit and new life in Germany

• Gift Orban has opened up about his swift move from Olympique Lyonnais to Hoffenheim, revealing deep frustrations during his short spell in France.
• Despite arriving Lyon with high expectations, the Nigerian striker said he never felt appreciated and struggled to get regular playing time.
• With six games left and Hoffenheim just five points above the drop zone, Orban is determined to fight for the club's Bundesliga survival.

When Nigerian striker Gift Orban signed for Olympique Lyonnais in January 2024, there were high expectations following his impressive spell at KAA Gent. 

But less than a year later, the 22-year-old found himself making another move, this time to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, citing a lack of appreciation and trust as the key reasons for his exit from France.

Speaking candidly about his time at Lyon, Orban admitted that the environment never felt quite right for him. Despite joining the Ligue 1 outfit for €15 million, the Super Eagles forward struggled for consistent game time and form, netting just five goals in 21 appearances. 

According to him, part of the difficulty came from fierce competition, particularly from club captain Alexandre Lacazette,

“I didn’t have many opportunities at Lyon, the coach preferred Lacazette. He is the captain and a legend at the club. I wanted to play more, so I moved on,” Orban explained.

Now at Hoffenheim, the Nigerian international seems to have rediscovered his confidence. Since arriving in January for €10 million, he has scored four goals in 12 games and appears more settled. Orban credited the Bundesliga club’s faith in him as a major factor in his improved performances,

“TSG trusts me, and that is important, many clubs contacted me in the winter, but here, those responsible treated me with respect and convinced me,” he noted.

Still, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Orban admitted that adapting to the German language and culture has been tough, even though he is fluent in English and French,

“I would like to have a say in the dressing room and understand football topics better, but German is a difficult language,” he said.

The ex-Stabæk man also emphasised his straightforward nature, stating, 

“If I don’t like something, I talk to someone directly. But I also expect honesty in return. I can’t stand it if people talk behind others’ backs.”

With six games remaining in the Bundesliga season and Hoffenheim sitting just five points above the relegation zone, Orban remains focused on one goal: helping his team survive.

Onigbinde urges Super Eagles coach Chelle to harness Nigeria’s talent for World Cup success

Previously, TheRadar reported that former national team coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to effectively manage the country's vast talent pool as he takes on the challenge of leading the Super Eagles.

Despite this abundance of quality, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.