'The coach preferred Lacazette' - Gift Orban admits ex-Arsenal star blocked his chances at Lyon

Super Eagles forward Gift Orban has opened up about the challenges he faced during his short stint at Lyon, citing limited opportunities due to the presence of former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Orban, who joined Lyon from Genk in the winter of 2024, managed just three Ligue 1 appearances this campaign before sealing a winter move to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

Speaking in an interview published on Hoffenheim’s official website, the 22-year-old revealed that competition from Lacazette hindered his chances in France.

"I didn't get many chances, and I also had very strong opponents," Orban said.

"The coach preferred Alexandre Lacazette in my position; he's the team captain and a club legend. I wanted to play more, so I moved on. TSG trusts me, and that's important."

Orban explained that the respectful treatment he received from Hoffenheim’s management played a major role in his decision to make the switch, adding that he’s now focused on scoring more goals and helping the team remain in the Bundesliga.

"Hoffenheim is a good club, but in a difficult situation. Many clubs contacted me in the winter, but here the management treated me with respect and convinced me. I now want to score even more goals and work hard to ensure that we stay in the league."

Since joining Hoffenheim, Orban has netted four goals in 12 league appearances, playing a vital role in lifting the club out of the relegation zone.

Reflecting on his development, Orban emphasized the importance of hard work over natural ability.

"Many people say I have talent. But if you're talented but don't work, it's no use," says Orban.

"I work hard in every training session and put in extra shifts, often with Andrej Kramarić, to practice finishing, whether from crosses, headers, or one-on-ones."

"My ideal balance would be 55 percent work and 45 percent talent. Hard work is always more important."

Despite his impressive resurgence in Germany, Orban missed out on the Super Eagles’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

He will hope to maintain his form and secure a place in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming four-nation tournament in London this June.

Adeyemi Adewale

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