Nigeria U-23 head coach Salisu Yusuf has confirmed that in-form Gent striker Gift Orban was invited for Wednesday’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea but he did not show up.
The Olympic Eagles settled for a goalless draw at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Wednesday as they struggled in the attacking area to find the back of the net.
Orban is one of the highest-scoring Nigerian stars in Europe having scored 12 goals in 10 games since he joined Gent from Norway’s Stabaek in January.
He is eligible to play for either Togo or Nigeria on the international scene but the three-time African champions moved faster to invite the 20-year-old to their youth team.
After Wednesday’s encounter, Yusuf told reporters: “We sent an invitation letter, he didn’t come, so we don’t know why.”
Reports indicated that Orban’s no-show was because of the late submission of the invitation by Nigeria football authorities.
It remains to be seen if the 20-year-old will be available for the return fixture between Nigeria U23 and Guinea U23 in a week’s time.
