Gift Orban admits Lacazette blocked his chances at Lyon

Posted : 08 April 2025

Super Eagles forward Gift Orban has spoken candidly about his experience during his brief time at Lyon, revealing that his opportunities were limited due to strong competition from Alexandre Lacazette, the former Arsenal striker. Orban, who joined Lyon from Belgian side Genk in January 2024, only made three appearances in Ligue 1 before he decided to make a move to the Bundesliga.

In an interview on Hoffenheim’s official website, the 22-year-old highlighted how Lacazette’s established presence at the club significantly reduced his chances of playing. Orban mentioned that, despite his potential, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot due to Lacazette’s role as both team captain and a club legend.

Orban admitted that while he did not receive many opportunities to showcase his talent at Lyon, the decision to leave was ultimately driven by his desire for more playing time. "The coach preferred Alexandre Lacazette in my position, and I wanted to play more," he said. He added that his move to Hoffenheim was motivated by their belief in him, which he felt was crucial for his career development.

The decision to leave Lyon and join Hoffenheim came after several clubs expressed interest in signing him. However, Orban noted that Hoffenheim's management showed him the respect he valued and convinced him to make the switch. “Hoffenheim is a good club, but in a difficult situation,” Orban stated. “I now want to score even more goals and work hard to ensure that we stay in the league.”

Since his arrival at Hoffenheim, Orban has found his stride, scoring four goals in 12 league appearances and playing a key role in helping the team rise out of the relegation zone. His performance has been a bright spot for the club, and he is now focusing on continuing his goal-scoring form as Hoffenheim fights for survival in the Bundesliga.

Orban reflected on his journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work over natural talent. “Many people say I have talent, but if you’re talented but don’t work, it’s no use,” he explained. He stressed that dedication in training is essential for success and revealed that he often works extra hours with teammate Andrej Kramarić to improve his finishing skills, whether it's scoring from crosses, headers, or one-on-one situations.

For Orban, the ideal formula for success is a combination of both talent and hard work. He believes that while talent is important, consistent effort and dedication are what truly make the difference. "My ideal balance would be 55 percent work and 45 percent talent. Hard work is always more important,” he said, showcasing his commitment to continual improvement.

Despite his impressive performances in Germany, Orban was not included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He will now be focusing on maintaining his current form and hoping to secure a place in Nigeria's squad for the upcoming four-nation tournament in London this June.

Gift Orban admits Lacazette blocked his chances at Lyon

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics