Gift Orban in action for TSG Hoffenheim. Copyright: Imago

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has tipped compatriot Gift Orban to succeed in Serie A following his loan move to Hellas Verona from Hoffenheim, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 22-year-old sealed his fourth move in just 31 months after leaving Stabæk, joining Verona on loan with an option to buy.

The deal sees the Serie A club pay a €1 million loan fee while covering his full wages, with a €9 million option to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Speaking exclusively to footy-Africa, Onazi, who played for Lazio, described the switch to Italy as one of the toughest and most tactically demanding leagues in Europe.

“It is very good for him to come to Italy because it is one of the strongest leagues tactically in Europe, and it will be good for his career development. It will help him a lot in his game, and he has been good in all the leagues he played in, but Serie A will be a good step for him,” Onazi said.

Will Orban Shine At Verona?

Following Orban’s breakout from Norway to Belgium and now to Italy, Onazi believes the Nigerian attacker will impress in Serie A.

“He has been good in all the places he has played, in Belgium, France, and Germany, and you can see the talent is there. So for sure, I am sure he will do well in the Italian league. It is just for him to improve on all he has done so that he will be a more complete player,”

Onazi, who himself enjoyed a successful spell in Serie A with Lazio, urged Verona fans to be excited about their new signing and has backed Orban to provide goals if given the right service.

“The fans will enjoy Gift in Verona. They should expect a lot of exciting football, and his teammates will also enjoy him. They should just supply him with balls in the box because he has the eyes for goals, and I believe he is going to do just that,” he said.

Orban will now look to make an immediate impact in Italy with the hope of reviving his form.