2023 Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban says he wants to take inspiration from former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette, who is widely regarded as one of the best French number 9s.
Orban played the role of a super-sub on Friday, August 30 as Lyon came from two goals down to earn a 4-3 win over Emmanuel Emegha’s RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Groupama Stadium.
After coming off the bench just before the hour mark, the dual-national player, who is also eligible for Togo through his mother, leveled the score less than four minutes after his introduction and netted what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute.
Speculation was rife that Orban had been declared surplus to requirements at Lyon following the club’s permanent acquisition of Guinea-Bissau national teamer Mama Baldé from Troyes and the arrival of Georgia’s 2024 European Championship star Georges Mikautadze.
However, Orban and his camp did not hold discussions with Lyon over leaving the club in the summer transfer window, amid reports suggesting that he could be on his way to either Botafogo or Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids.
Orban revealed that he is often advised by French Olympic national team and Lyon captain Alexandre Lacazette, with whom he trains with on a daily basis.
“He is an exemplary captain,” Orban was quoted as saying by Olympique-et-lyonnais after his brace against Strasbourg.
“He has experience, so I watch him in training and he talks to me to advise me so that I can give the best of myself.”
Orban was Lyon’s top scorer during pre-season preparations with three goals.
