CAF U23 AFCON Q: Gent Shun Nigeria Over Gift Orban Invitation - Salisu Yusuf

CAF U23 AFCON Q: Gent Shun Nigeria Over Gift Orban Invitation - Salisu Yusuf

By Niyi Busari

Nigeria U23 head coach, Salisu Yusuf is not sure if in-form Gent striker, Gift Orban will honour the invitation extended to him by the Nigeria Football Federation to be part of the team against Guinea in the last round of the CAF U23 African Nations Cup qualifier, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In an exclusive interview with BSN Sports, Salisu Yusuf stated that the player who only last week scored the fastest hat trick in the UEFA Conference League may miss the opportunity to debut for Nigeria.

The former Rangers International coach invited 16 foreign based players to fortify 30 home based players who had resumed training two weeks ago ahead of the encounter. Salisu added that only five foreign based are in camp and expecting additional four players who have promised to join the team on Monday

"Yeah, we sent invitation to Gift Orban. Salisu exclusively confirmed to BSN Sports.

"I think I scouted him since he was playing for his former club before he joined Gent. I think he is doing very well. We sent invitation and up till now, we are yet to receive any response from his club. 

When asked on whether he will come to play in the game for Nigeria, Salisu said, "True, I am not sure because up till now there is no news neither from him nor the club on whether he is coming tomorrow but we knew that the invitation has reached his club.

Gift, 20, scored 20 goals for Stabaek FC in 2022 and has scored five league and three Uefa Conference League goals for Gent since he joined Gent in January.

"Doors will be shut on players who do not arrive on Monday," one of the team officials told BSN Sports.

Nigeria will trade tackles with Guinea on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja at 4:00 pm. The winners between Nigeria and Guinea in the two legged matches will qualify for the 2023 CAF U23 AFCON.