Paul Onuachu vs Gift Orban: Who deserves a Super Eagles call-up more?

The Super Eagles of Nigeria return to action later this month for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, so it means that fans can expect a squad list soon, Afrik-Foot reports.

Although Nigeria is not blessed with many talented defenders and midfielders, the major selection headache that coach Eric Chelle will face is the attackers. Two players currently in the spotlight are Paul Onuachu and Gift Orban.

Onuachu offers experience, physical presence and a proven record in Turkish football. Orban, meanwhile, has burst back into the conversation with a spectacular start to the season, scoring six goals and providing one assist in his first five Turkish Süper Lig matches for Amedspor.

The pair are competing for attention at a time when Nigeria’s attack already includes Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Rafiu Durosinmi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams. However, their current situations present different arguments for a call-up.

Onuachu Brings Experience and a Proven Record

Onuachu’s strongest argument is his established international experience and his ability to offer something different from Nigeria’s other forwards.

The Trabzonspor striker is the tallest attacking options available to Chelle. At 2.01 metres, he provides a target for crosses, an outlet under pressure and a physical presence against defenders who may struggle to deal with his aerial ability.

His club record also remains difficult to ignore. Onuachu scored 26 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup. His goalscoring form was so strong that he finished the season as the leading Nigerian scorer in Europe, ahead of Osimhen.

This season, although he had a tough start, he responded with a brace in Trabzonspor’s 5-0 beating of Genclerbirligi two weeks ago.

He also has experience with the Super Eagles, having earned 40 caps and featured in major tournaments, including the 2019 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The debate over Nigeria’s next attacking options has taken an interesting turn, with Paul Onuachu and Gift Orban both making strong cases for a place in Éric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

Onuachu offers experience, physical presence and a proven record in Turkish football. Orban, meanwhile, has burst back into the conversation with a spectacular start to the season, scoring six goals and providing one assist in his first five Turkish Süper Lig matches for Amedspor.

The pair are competing for attention at a time when Nigeria’s attack already includes Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Rafiu Durosinmi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams. However, their current situations present different arguments for a call-up.

Onuachu brings experience and a proven record

Onuachu’s strongest argument is his established international experience and his ability to offer something different from Nigeria’s other forwards.

The Trabzonspor striker is one of the tallest attacking options available to Chelle. At 2.01 metres, he provides a target for crosses, an outlet under pressure and a physical presence against defenders who may struggle to deal with his aerial ability.

His club record also remains difficult to ignore. Onuachu scored 26 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup. His goalscoring form was so strong that he finished the season as the leading Nigerian scorer in Europe, ahead of Osimhen.

He also has experience with the Super Eagles, having earned more than 30 caps and featured in major tournaments, including the 2019 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his immediate case is complicated by fitness concerns. Onuachu opened his account for Trabzonspor only in his fourth league appearance this season and reportedly picked up a minor injury during that match. Although he completed 90 minutes against Konyaspor last weekend, his absence from training on Tuesday has raised fresh questions about his availability.

For a coach whose system demands intense pressing and physical work, Chelle must be certain that Onuachu is fit enough to contribute consistently.

Orban’s form is impossible to overlook

If the decision is based strictly on current goalscoring form, Orban has presented a compelling argument.

The Amedspor forward scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir, taking his league tally to six goals and one assist in five matches. That figure places him level with Osimhen at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig scoring chart.

Orban’s goals have also highlighted the qualities that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards during his time at Gent. He is sharp inside the penalty area, attacks spaces quickly and can finish with minimal touches.

His hat-trick against Başakşehir demonstrated his movement and composure in front of goal. Unlike Onuachu, who often relies on his size and aerial strength, Orban offers greater mobility and can threaten defences through quick combinations and instinctive finishing.

That profile could appeal to Chelle, particularly if the coach wants another forward capable of pressing aggressively and attacking the spaces behind defenders.

However, Orban’s case comes with an important complication: his international eligibility.

His previous call-up was affected by a dispute involving Nigeria and Togo. The Togolese Football Federation reportedly questioned his nationality and alleged that he had represented Togo in a CHAN qualifier under a different name and age. Orban denied the allegation, insisting that he had never played for Togo.

Until the relevant authorities resolve the matter, the NFF may remain cautious about selecting him.

Who deserves the call-up?

Onuachu has the stronger case in terms of international experience, tactical variety and a proven record over an entire season. He can give Chelle a different attacking option, especially in matches where Nigeria need to bypass a press or exploit aerial situations.

Orban, however, has the stronger case based on immediate form. Six goals in five league matches, including a hat-trick against Başakşehir, is the kind of production that demands attention. If his eligibility is fully cleared and he maintains that level, leaving him out would require a clear tactical explanation.

The most practical conclusion may depend on Chelle’s priorities. If the coach values experience, physical presence and continuity, Onuachu remains a logical selection—provided he is fit. If current form and attacking explosiveness are the deciding factors, Orban has arguably done more in recent weeks to force his way into the conversation.

For now, Onuachu remains the safer option because of his international experience and established role. But Orban is quickly turning the debate from a question of potential into one of urgency.

However, his immediate case is complicated by fitness concerns. Although he completed 90 minutes against Konyaspor last weekend, his absence from training on Tuesday has raised fresh questions about his availability.

For a coach whose system demands intense pressing and physical work, Chelle must be sure that Onuachu is fit enough to contribute consistently.

Orban’s Form is Impossible to Overlook

If the decision is based strictly on current goalscoring form, Orban has presented a compelling argument.

The Amedspor forward scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir, taking his league tally to six goals and one assist in five matches. That haul places him level with Osimhen at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig scoring chart.

Orban’s goals have also highlighted the qualities that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards during his time at Gent. He is sharp inside the penalty area, attacks spaces quickly and can finish with minimal touches.

His hat-trick against Başakşehir showed his movement and composure in front of goal. Unlike Onuachu, who often relies on his size and aerial strength, Orban offers greater mobility and can threaten defences through quick combinations and instinctive finishing.

Gift Orban is now the Turkish Süper Lig's joint-top scorer with Victor Osimhen, with 6 goals, after scoring a hat-trick for Amed Sportif against Başakşehir. 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/2a4tDoZvSj

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) September 14, 2026

That profile could appeal to Chelle, particularly if the coach wants another forward capable of pressing aggressively and attacking the spaces behind defenders.

Who Deserves The Call-up?

Onuachu has the stronger case in terms of international experience, tactical variety and a proven record over an entire season. He can give Chelle a different attacking option, especially in matches where Nigeria need to bypass a press or exploit aerial situations.

Orban, however, has the stronger case based on immediate form. Six goals in five league matches, including a hat-trick against Başakşehir, is the kind of production that demands attention.

The most practical conclusion may depend on Chelle’s priorities. If the coach values experience, physical presence and continuity, Onuachu remains a logical selection — provided he is fit. If current form and attacking explosiveness are the deciding factors, Orban has arguably done more in recent weeks to force his way into the conversation.

For now, Onuachu remains the safer option because of his international experience and established role. But Orban is quickly turning the debate from a question of potential into one of urgency.