Gift Orban moves to Amedspor on loan

Nigerian striker Gift Orban has switched to Amedspor on a season-long loan. The newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig team has taken him from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Orban's brief return to Germany has come to an end after spending last season on loan at Hellas Verona in Italy.

The deal has a buy option. If Amedspor meets the conditions, the 24-year-old could stay permanently. This move ends months of uncertainty about his future. Hoffenheim had no plans for him, and he had no real chance to return to the first team.

The player’s agent, Atta Aneke, said Orban was drawn to Amedspor by their ambition and vision.

“Gift believes Amedspor are an ambitious club with a clear project and a huge fan base,” Aneke told Footy-Africa.

“After speaking with the club, he felt their vision matched his own ambitions. He is excited to join them and help the team achieve its goals this season.”

Aneke also represents Super Eagles stars Akor Adams, Victor Boniface, and Chidera Ejuke. He added that Orban is ready for the challenge of Turkish football.

“He is delighted to move to Turkish football because he knows it is a highly competitive league that has been home to many successful Nigerian players.

“Gift is looking forward to the challenge, settling in quickly and contributing to the team’s journey in the top flight,” he said.

Orban had also caught the eye of Serie A club Bologna this summer, but a move did not happen.

Last season, he played for Verona, scoring seven goals and giving three assists in 29 Serie A games. Unfortunately, he could not help the club avoid relegation. An incident with a fan late in the season ended any chance of a permanent deal there.

The Nigerian first gained attention in Europe with Norwegian club Stabæk before a successful time at Belgian team Gent. He scored 32 goals in 52 matches overall, which led to a €12m transfer to French club Lyon in January 2024.

Orban is the latest Nigerian to join Turkish football. Kelechi Iheanacho recently moved to Bursaspor. He hopes Amedspor can help him reignite his career after their promotion to the Süper Lig for the first time in the club's history.