Turkey: Nigerian forward, Gift Orban matches Osimhen’s goal tally with hat-trick

Nigerian forward Gift Orban scored a hat-trick to match the goal tally of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, as Amedspor secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir in the Super Lig on Sunday evening. The former Hellas Verona player's performance in the second half proved pivotal, as he clicked in three goals. Just seven minutes into the second half, Orban headed in Furkan Soyalp's cross into the bottom corner, extending Amedspor's lead.

Two minutes later, he capitalized on Ermal Krasniqi's precise layoff to score another goal, bringing his season tally to three. With fifteen minutes remaining, Orban sealed his hat-trick with another goal from a pass by Krasniqi. This performance has brought his season total to six goals, tying him with Osimhen for the top spot in the league's scoring charts.

Having joined the Turkish club on loan during the summer transfer window, Orban has been in impressive form since the season started, contributing six goals and one assist in five league matches. His goals against Trabzonspor, Kasimpasa, and Istanbul Başakşehir have cemented his status as one of the league's top forwards. Osimhen, meanwhile, has also made an early impact with six goals and two assists in four matches before suffering a hamstring injury.

Orban's talent and recent form will likely be a key factor for the Super Eagles as they prepare for AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.