Super Eagles invitee set to leave Germany and Italy for Turkey

Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban is closing in on another move with the Nigerian striker set to join newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig club Amedspor on a season-long loan from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, Soccernet.ng reports.

The transfer has reached an advanced stage after Hoffenheim and Amedspor reached a full verbal agreement over the deal for the 2026/27 season, according to Turkish journalist Ertan Süzgün. The agreement also includes an option for the Turkish club to sign the striker permanently when the loan expires next summer.

Orban has already agreed personal terms with Amedspor, leaving only the final formalities before the transfer is completed. The 24-year-old, previously linked with Venezia, is expected to travel to Turkey soon for his medical examination before being officially unveiled as Amedspor’s latest signing.

The move comes after Orban returned to Hoffenheim following a season-long loan at Italian club Hellas Verona. The Serie A side decided against activating the purchase option in his contract after suffering relegation at the end of last campaign.

Despite Verona’s difficult season, the Nigerian forward still produced respectable numbers, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 28 league appearances. His performances were not enough to convince the club to make the move permanent as they prepared for life in Italy’s second division.

Orban remains under contract with Hoffenheim until June 30, 2029, but another loan move offers him the chance to play regular first-team football. Transfermarkt currently values the striker at around €7 million.

Born in Benue State to a Nigerian father and a Togolese mother, Orban first attracted attention after leaving Nigerian side Bison FC for Norwegian club Stabæk in 2022. He enjoyed a sensational debut season, scoring 16 league goals in 22 matches, winning the Golden Boot and Young Player of the Year award while helping the club secure promotion.

His outstanding form earned him a transfer to Belgian side Gent in January 2023, where he stole the hearts of many near and far. During his time in Belgium, Orban scored 32 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions and made headlines by scoring an incredible three-minute hat-trick against İstanbul Başakşehir in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

French giants Lyon signed him in January 2024 in a deal worth up to €20 million, but he struggled to establish himself in a squad filled with attacking options. He managed five goals in 21 appearances before moving to Hoffenheim in January 2025 for a reported base fee of €9 million.

After a brief spell in Germany, Hoffenheim sent him to Hellas Verona on loan, where he once again showed flashes of his finishing ability despite the club’s relegation.

On the international stage, Orban has also faced stiff competition. Eligible to represent both Nigeria and Togo, he chose Nigeria and received his first Super Eagles invitation in September 2023 under then-head coach José Peseiro for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe.

However, injuries during key international windows and fierce competition from established Nigerian stars such as Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface have limited his opportunities with the national team.

A successful season with Amedspor could give Orban the consistent playing time he needs to revive his international ambitions and strengthen his case for a regular place in the Super Eagles squad ahead of future AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.