Super Eagles-eligible forward Gift Orban was on the scoresheet for Olympique Lyon as the Ligue 1 side defeated Ligue 2 team Valenciennes 3-0 to advance to the Coupe de France (French Cup) final.
Lyon have somewhat turned their season around under manager Pierre Sage following an abysmal start to the season. The striker who is still open to represent Nigeria after missing out on an invite to the Super Eagles in 2023 came on for captain Alexandre Lacazette, who had already bagged a brace to finish off the lowly-ranked Valenciennes.
Orban will be looking to win his first silverware in the French top-flight with his Lyon side and standing in his way will be either Paris Saint-Germain or Rennes in the final billed for Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Lyon's wait for silverware might be ending soon
The seven-time French champions will be eyeing their first piece of silverware since 2012 after they advanced to the Cup final over giant-killers Valenciennes who play in Ligue 2.
The second division side had a goal disallowed in the first half following a VAR review. Knockaert was adjudged to have fouled O'Brien on his way to winning the ball. He found Doucouré with a pass with the latter putting the ball in the back of the net.
Valenciennes held their own against Lyon in the first half, with both teams on level terms at the half-time break.
Lyon took the lead after the restart as they made their dominance count when French international and captain Lacazette earned his side a penalty after he was fouled by Joffrey Cuffaut in the box.
The French international stepped up to give his side the lead from the spot after firing a powerful shot under the crossbar to break the deadlock.
The former Arsenal striker soon doubled his tally by registering his 16th goal in all competitions this season from Saïd Benrahma’s assist when he quickly possessed the ball before rifling it into the bottom corner.
Benrahma – on loan from West Ham United – was involved in all of the goals. He played a through ball to Orban who coolly tapped the ball home. Gift Orban had a chance to score his second of the night but blasted wide from less than six yards.
Gift Orban enjoying life in France?
Since joining the French outfit in the winter transfer window from Gent, Gift Orban has only scored two goals with the first coming in the French Cup Round of 16 tie against Lille in February. He has also made 9 appearances in the French Ligue 1 but is yet to register a goal.
At Gent, where he only spent one year, Orban will be looking to continue his good numbers after scoring 32 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian side.
Prior to his transfer to Gent, he played for Norwegian side Stabæk, where he scored 19 goals and contributed seven assists in 24 appearances.
In a recent chat with L'equipe, Orban talked about his goal-scoring prowess and how he is settling down in Lyon.
“When I was a kid, my only concern was getting the ball into the goal, even when it was in my half. I was capable of shooting from distance if I saw the goalkeeper in a poor position. If I was told to make ten passes before scoring, I’d rather score directly. The most important thing is putting the ball in the goal, so I have that in the blood. Goals saved me and changed my life. I scored goals because I wanted to escape, I managed to leave Africa thanks to that talent.
“When I turned professional, I understood there would be highs and lows. We can’t win all the time, it was a difficult adaptation but I had to get on with it. Now for example, I find it hard to play as a lone striker because I am used to playing with two, it’s better for me, but I have to get on with it and move forward.
“When I arrived at Lyon, I knew I had to be patient, even if I’m not a patient person. I want to play. I know my chance will come and even if I only play 10 or 15 minutes, I will try my best to help the team,” he concluded.
