UEL: After social media scandal, 2023 Super Eagles invitee Orban returns to Lyon's matchday squad

2023 Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban will surely be included in Olympique Lyonnais' gameday squad on Thursday night when they battle German opponents TSG Hoffenheim in a Europa League encounter at PreZero Arena (Sinsheim), barring an injury in the warm-up to the game. 

Gift Orban was among the twenty-three Lyon players that flew to Germany on Wednesday morning, confirming his spot in the matchday 23, with UEFA permitting twelve players to be named on the substitutes bench.

The 22-year-old was left out of Lyon's recent lineup against Lille due to disciplinary issues related to a controversial social media post, but he has now been reinstated. 

The controversy began when Orban praised Ivorian forward Sinaly Diomandé on social media, following Lyon's 2-2 draw with Auxerre. 

Orban's comment, featuring the word 'Top' accompanied by two fire emojis, was intended to encourage his friend but sparked outrage among Lyon fans.

The club's management had reportedly summoned Orban for a formal discussion and considered disciplinary action, including stripping him of his ethics bonus. 

Orban who has found playing time difficult to come by for the French giants, was also temporarily removed from the first-team squad as an added measure.

Despite the lack of minutes, the former KAA Gent hitman has managed two goals in four appearances in all competitions for Lyon so far this season. 

Gift Orban set the record for the fastest hat-trick scored in UEFA club competition history on March 15, 2023, netting three goals within 3 minutes and 25 seconds as Gent thrashed İstanbul Başakşehir F.K 4-1in  the Conference League.

Ejim Kaycee

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com