By Daniel Edu
Gent’s young forward, Gift Orban, found himself sidelined for Nigeria’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday. Orban’s unfortunate absence was a result of an injury he sustained during a training session on Friday, just days before the match.
The 21-year-old talent was unable to participate in the team’s final training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday night, leaving him as a spectator for the game.
Gift Orban was one of three debutants who had been called up for this important qualifier, alongside Victor Boniface and Jordan Torunarigha. Despite having a promising start to the new season with six goals in nine appearances for his Belgian club, he will have to postpone his debut for the three-time African champions.
Torunarigha also had to wait for his chance to make his Eagles debut. He did not see any action during the match against Sao Tome and Principe, as manager Jose Peseiro opted for Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey as the central defenders. Meanwhile, Ola Aina and Onyaemechi Bruno started as full-backs in the game that saw Nigeria triumph 6-0 at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
