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While rumours of attitude problems have surfaced, Orban himself has shed light on his candid nature and efforts to adapt to the club environment.
The integration of Gift Orban, the 21-year-old Nigerian forward, into the Olympique Lyonnais dressing room has sparked controversy and differing opinions.
While some have denied initial reports of attitude issues, the player himself has opened up about his candid nature and the challenges he faces in adapting to his new environment at the Ligue 1 club.
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12:25 - 15.03.2024
Gift Orban: ‘We all want to play football in Africa because no one will give you anything and you will die of hunger’
Nigerian forward Gift Orban has opened up about his struggles and how he was driven by poverty to make it to the biggest stage in football.
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16:31 - 13.03.2024
Top 15 Most Valuable Nigerian Players
Nigeria's football landscape is rich with talent, as showcased by the top 15 most valuable Nigerian players in 2022. From established stars like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi to emerging talents like Gift Orban and Akor Adams, these players exemplify the skill and potential that Nigerian football brings to the global stage.
Controversy Unveiled
Rumours emerged about Orban causing disruptions with his attitude and behaviour in training sessions at Lyon, with suggestions that these issues had also surfaced at his previous clubs.
French journalist Romain Molina highlighted concerns about the player's temperament, hinting at a lack of due diligence by the club in assessing Orban's background.
Debunking Misunderstandings
Club captain Alexandre Lacazette refuted these claims, defending Orban and labelling him as humorous and misinterpreted. Lacazette highlighted Orban's direct and honest nature, emphasizing that the newcomer's personality might have been mistaken as odd by some initially, but closer interaction revealed his amiable and respectful character.
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Orban's Perspective
In his response to the speculations, Orban expressed his straightforward approach to communication and the importance of authenticity. He acknowledged his unique personality and shared insights into his challenges of adapting to Lyon's dressing room dynamics, including music preferences.
“People don’t know me, but that’s me. I say what I think, I tell the truth. If you do something I don’t like, I won’t do anything behind your back, I will stand in front of you and say it. I’m not a hypocrite, I am direct and I don’t have a problem with anyone here," he said, per L'Equipe.
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"I try to be nice to everyone, to come to training and share my joy. If you see me from afar, you’ll tell yourself that I’m a bit weird, but once you get close to me, you’ll realise I’m easy-going and respectful. You just need to know me. I’ve experienced some things in life that make me like this, I am not afraid of anything.
“You can say that I am trying to control it. When you have a hot and determined personality, you need to know how to manage it, so I try to channel my energy; it’s important. You always have to behave well and especially adapt when you arrive somewhere. I’ll give you an example: personally, I like Burna Boy, good Nigerian music.
"When I arrived at Lyon, there was French music in the dressing room, with things like ‘wesh’ (a French slang word). I don’t like it at all, but for the group, I accept that they play it and I listen to my music at home. The most important thing is the club and my teammates before me."
Despite his personal inclination towards Nigerian music, such as that of Burna Boy, Orban prioritized unity within the team by embracing the French music favoured by his teammates.
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