'A rough season' - Injured Hoffenheim striker Gift Orban vows to come back better

Hoffenheim striker Gift Orban has admitted his first few months in the Bundesliga have not gone as planned, but remains determined to bounce back stronger next season.

The 22-year-old Nigerian forward joined Hoffenheim from French side Olympique Lyon in January for a fee of €9 million, plus €3 million in performance-related bonuses — €1 million of which is guaranteed — along with a 7.5% interest on any future capital gain from a resale.

The move came after a difficult spell in France, where he fell out of favour.

Orban made an immediate impact in Germany, scoring four goals in his first six Bundesliga appearances.

However, a dip in form combined with recurring fitness issues, including an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the 2024–25 season, saw his influence fade.

Despite a poor run of form that saw Hoffenheim collect just two points from their last five matches, the club avoided relegation, finishing three points above the playoff zone.

Once seen as one of Europe's most exciting young attacking prospects, Orban now has his sights set on rediscovering his form ahead of the 2025–2026 season.

Reflecting on the second half of the 2024-2025 season, Orban wrote on X: "It’s been a rough season, no doubt. Things didn’t go how I planned, but I’ve kept my head down and kept grinding. 

"The season’s almost over, and I’m focused on finishing strong and coming back better."

Orban, who is also eligible for Togo through his mother, was called up for a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe in September 2023 but could not become cap-tied to Nigeria after suffering a discomfort in his leg before the clash.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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