Gift Orban shines as Hellas Verona keep Serie A survival hopes alive with win at Bologna

Nigerian striker Gift Orban got an assist for Hellas Verona, as they claimed an unprecedented 2-1 victory over Bologna at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday, Afrik-Foot reports.

After missing Verona’s last two games due to an unjustifiable red card in a 2-1 loss to Parma in mid-february, Orban returned to their starting eleven for the visit to Bologna.

Look at the red card given to Gift Orban against Parma.

This high level nonsense from the referee. 🖕
pic.twitter.com/ItYVw2olRO

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 16, 2026

The Gialloblù started the day second from bottom in the Serie A standings, while Bologna were placed eighth. As such, the home side were the favourites to claim all three points.

However, they were stunned by Orban and his teammates. Bologna dominated the first half, as they had the bulk of the possession and goal attempts.

But they failed to threaten Lorenzo Montipo in Hellas Verona’s goal. On the other hand, Orban even had a good chance to score in the 25th minute, but he failed to capitalize, as his effort was saved.

It was in the second half, however, that the goals eventually came. La Grassa opened the scoring, courtesy of Jonathan Rowe in the 48th minute.

But that lead was short-lived, as Gialloblù drew level just four minutes, through Martin Frese.

Then, in the 57th minute, the visitors took the lead. And this time, Orban was involved. It was his low cross into the box that Kieron Bowie latched on to and sent a low finish into the net to make it 2-1.

After going a goal down, Bologna responded with force, as they went all out to push for the equalizer, but Hellas Verona held on tightly to their lead.

Orban even put in some extra defensive work to keep his side in the game. He was eventually taken off for Al Musrati in the 94th minute. It eventually ended 2-1 in Hellas Verona’s favour, their first win since the start of 2026.

Another player of Nigerian origin, Daniel Oyegoke was also on the pitch for Hellas Verona. He played right wing-back, but he was substituted in the 82nd minute.

Can Gift Orban Lead Hellas Verona to a Miracle Survival?

​Gift Orban’s heroics were key in Hellas Verona’s crucial victory over Bologna—a result that marked the club’s first win in 13 matches.

​The hard-fought victory moved the Gialloblù to 18 points from 28 games in Serie A. While they remain in 19th place, the three points helped their relegation battle, as a loss would have left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

​Despite the boost in morale, Hellas Verona remains seven points adrift of safety. However, with 30 points still up for grabs before the season ends, the path to survival is mathematically possible if they can string together a series of wins.

​Orban has just returned from suspension and looks hungry for both minutes and goals. The Nigerian forward has already showed that he can be a nuisance for defenses, using his pace and directness to create openings.

​If Verona is to survive Serie A relegation, they will need Orban to continue delivering clinical finishes and key assists. For the Super Eagles prospect, his number one mission will be to fire Hellas Verona to safety and cement his reputation as a big-game player in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.