Malick Fofana backs Gift Orban to shine at Lyon
Lyon winger Malick Fofana is confident that Nigeria’s Gift Orban will eventually excel at the Ligue 1 club, despite his slow start since joining in January.
Nigeria’s Gift Orban, who arrived from Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent, came with an impressive track record, having scored 32 goals in 52 appearances for the Buffalos.
However, the 21-year-old Nigerian international has struggled to make an impact at Lyon, failing to find the back of the net in his eight league appearances for Les Gones.
Despite his underwhelming performances thus far, Fofana believes that Orban will adjust and prove his worth to the team.
“Gift has to adapt. There are different rules here than in Ghent. He has had a hard time with that. He’s a special, but good guy. In the meantime, everyone knows him a little,” Fofana stated, as quoted by Voetbalkrant.
The Nigerian forward too understands he will have to wait for his time. He stated this in a recent interview when asked if he feels disappointed about not being a starter at Lyon?
Orban had replied ” When I got here, I knew I should be patient. Even though I’m not really a patient attacker. (Laughs)Â I want to play. But as I realized that I had to be patient and my time was coming. So even if I’m given ten or fifteen minutes, I’m going to do everything I can to help the team.
With Fofana’s support and encouragement, Orban will be looking to turn around his fortunes and make a significant contribution to Lyon’s campaign in the remainder of the season.
