Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has celebrated Nigerian striker Gift Orban after his hat-trick, on matchday four of the 2023/2024 Europa Conference League.
Orban who is finding his feet this season after a slow start netted Gent’s three goals in a 2-3 UEFA Europa Conference League win away to Iceland side Breidablik in Group B.
The 21-year-old fired Gent 1-0 ahead in the 6th minute.
A deep cross from Pieter Gerkens found the run of Orban, and he headed the ball over the goalkeeper in deft fashion.
The hosts then hit a brace from Svanthorsson on 16th and 18th minute to lead 2-1 at half-time.
In the second half, Gift Orban drew the Belgian side level with a 54th minute equalizer from the penalty spot.
He then completed his perfect hat-trick in the 69th minute to make it 2-3.
For the third goal, Moroccan forward Tarik Tissoudali received a fine pass in behind before squaring the ball to Orban, who applied a left-footed finish to seal the win.
Reacting to the feat, UEFA wrote on their Europa Conference League X handle:” The lad keeps on giving!
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Also, Gift Orban has been nominated for the UEFA Confernce League player of the week award alongside Bodo/Glimt’s Faris Moumbagna, Svanthorsson of Breidablik and Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dor Peretz.