Gift Orban off the mark for the season for Gent in 6-goal Europa Conference League tie

Nigerian youngster Gift Orban has scored his first goal of the season for Belgian side KAA Gent.

Orban was on target as Gent began their Europa Conference League qualifiers in superb style following a six-goal thriller against MSK Zilina.

Gent proved just too good after a 5-1 thrashing of the 10-man Slovakian side at home on Thursday night.

The 21-year-old, who joined Gent last winter from Denmark, has continued from where he stopped last season.

Orban, who netted 15 goals in 16 appearances for Gent in the Jupiler, has shown that last season was no fluke.

The Nigerian superstar opened the floodgate with his first goal of the season as Gent dominated and thrashed Zilina to open their Europa Conference League journey with a convincing and comfortable win at home.

It took the sensational forward just 23 minutes to open his account for the 2023/2024 season.

Orban was substituted in the 73rd minute after a good outing for his club.

Meanwhile, Orban’s impressive form seems to have caught the eyes of Ligue 1 clubs.

According to a Pulse Sports report, the young forward is closing in on a move to LOSC Lille while also on the radar of Champions League-bound Lens.

The Ligue 1 side, who is famed for developing young players and has also had Nigerians like Victor Osimhen and Osaze Odemwingie on their payroll, sees the youngster as an ideal addition to their squad.

Lille are in the market this summer for a striker as they prepare for the exit of star forward Jonathan David.

The club has reportedly decided on Orban as their prime target to replace the Canadian forward.

Lille are close to agreeing a deal with Gent for the Nigerian, who could move for the second time this year if an agreement is reached by the two clubs.

Also, Ligue 1 runner-up Lens is reportedly interested in a move for Orban should star striker Lois Openda make a move away from the club this summer.

The Belgian forward has been linked with moves to Inter and AC Milan but is also rumoured to be close to a deal to join German side RB Leipzig ahead of the 2023/24 season after only one campaign with Lens.

Orban joined Gent from Stabaek in January and scored 20 goals in 22 appearances to fire the club to Europa, attracting the attention of clubs across Europe.