The Togolese Football Federation has taken steps to block Gift Orbán’s involvement with the Nigeria national team, sparking a debate over his nationality, Soccernet.ng reported.
The rising star attracted attention earlier this year with an incredible goal streak for Belgian First Division club KAA Gent.
Orbán was called up to the Super Eagles for the first time just last month, but missed the chance to make his debut after sustaining an injury during training.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface made his international debut in the same match against Sao Tome and Principe, but Orbán’s scheduled appearance was postponed due to injury.
After returning from injury, Orbán should be included in the national team for the games scheduled for November.
However, the young talent’s name was conspicuously absent from the Super Eagles’ squad list for upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
According to a report by Own Goal, Orbán’s exclusion in November was due to an ongoing nationality dispute.
Apparently, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) received a communication from the Togolese Football Federation claiming that Orban is indeed a Togolese national and therefore eligible to represent Togo in international competitions.
In order to avoid a potential violation of FIFA regulations, the NFF appears to have decided not to invite Orbán to the national team until this issue is resolved.
This unexpected development could have a serious impact on Orbán’s international career and could result in him being excluded from Nigeria’s participation in the African Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast in January. be.
Orbán currently holds a Nigerian passport and has publicly acknowledged that his father is from Benue State and his mother is from Togo.
Despite his initial high expectations, Orbán’s recent performance has declined as his long-awaited move to the major leagues did not materialize.
Since moving to Gent from Norwegian club Stabek in January, he has scored 26 goals.
