Super Eagles and Hoffenheim striker Gift Emmanuel Orban has opened up about his difficult spell at Olympique Lyonnais, revealing he left the French club because he didn’t feel appreciated.
Orban, 22, joined Lyon from Belgian side KAA Gent in the 2024 winter window for €15 million, but his time in Ligue 1 was underwhelming. He struggled for consistent minutes and managed just five goals in 21 appearances.
“I didn’t get many chances at Lyon,” Orban said in an interview with Hoffenheim’s official website. “The coach preferred Lacazette, who’s the captain and a legend at the club. I wanted to play more, so I had to move on.”
That move came in January 2025, when he signed for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for €10 million.
Since then, Orban has scored four goals in 12 games and is starting to find his rhythm again.
Photo by Imago
“TSG trusts me, and that makes a big difference,” he added. “I’m a very direct person—if I don’t like something, I say it. I also want the same honesty in return. I don’t do well with people talking behind my back.”
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The Nigerian striker admitted that language has been a challenge in Germany, despite speaking both English and French. “German is really hard. I want to understand the conversations in the dressing room and talk football with the team, but it’s not easy.”
Orban also revealed that several clubs approached him during the winter, but Hoffenheim stood out. “They showed me respect and convinced me to join. Now, I want to score more goals and help keep us in the Bundesliga.”
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Hoffenheim currently sit just five points above the relegation zone with six games left in the season. Orban’s goals could prove vital in their fight for survival.
