'It is false' - Gift Orban confirms ahead of potential Nigeria debut he never wanted to play for Togo 

KAA Gent goal machine Gift Orban has confirmed that he never considered playing for the Togolese national team before earning his first call-up to the Super Eagles for a dead rubber 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against São Tomé and Príncipe.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported 170 days ago that the dual national striker has pledged his international future to the Nigeria national team, rather than the Togolese Republic. 

Uncapped at international level, Orban was being monitored by the Togolese Federation with a view to an invitation to the Sparrow hawks, but his mind was already made up to represent the Super Eagles. 

It was claimed in some quarters that Orban was leaning towards representing Togo after he failed to show up for a 2023 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea back in March. 

Setting the record straight, Orban told Football Fans Tribe: "It is false, I never wanted to play for Benin or Togo. Many people talk because Nigeria have big players. If you play here you move to a big club, but I never wanted to play for Togo.

"Togo needs players but I don't want to play for Togo. My mom is from Togo and my father is from Taraku, Benue State in Nigeria."

Should Orban feature for even one second against São Tomé and Príncipe, he will become officially cap-tied to Nigeria, given that he celebrated his 21st birthday in July. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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