In a major transfer deal, Nigerian international striker, Orban Gift, has moved to French Ligue 1 club, Olympique Lyonnais, for a reported fee of £13 million (approximately 16 billion Naira). The 23-year-old forward, who spent the past two seasons at Gent, has signed a five-year contract with Lyon.
The transfer of Gift, who is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing, is a significant coup for Lyon’s sporting director Juninho Pernambucano. The Brazilian legend has been actively pursuing the Nigerian striker for several months and finally secured his signature.
Orban gift move to Lyon is also a major boost for Nigerian football as it marks the highest transfer fee ever paid for a Nigerian player. The previous record was held by Kelechi Iheanacho, who moved to Leicester City in 2017 for £25 million (approximately 10 billion Naira).
Lyon’s decision to sign orban gift is also a reflection of their ambition to rebuild their squad after a disappointing season last year. The club finished in sixth place in the Ligue 1 table and missed out on European football for the first time in over two decades.
Orban Gift arrival at Lyon is expected to provide competition for places up front alongside the likes of Moussa Dembele and Karl Toko Ekambi. The Nigerian striker will also be looking to establish himself as a regular starter and help Lyon challenge for silverware in the upcoming season.
Overall, Orban Gift’s move to Lyon is a major milestone in his young career and represents a significant step up in terms of both his profile and the level of competition he will be facing. It remains to be seen whether he can adapt to life in France and live up to the expectations that come with such a high transfer fee. However, with his talent and potential, there is no doubt that orban gift has the ability to make an impact at Lyon and beyond.