Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, who played in Italy with Lazio, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa condemned the incident involving Nigerian forward Gift Orban, who got into an altercation with Hellas Verona fans outside the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
“Sometimes fans need to understand how players feel after a loss. Sometimes you just want to go home and reflect or rest, especially when you lose at home,” he said. “I am sure that is what happened. Maybe Gift was in a bad mood or wanted to quickly get home. He’s a good lad who has time for the fans, but this time he just wanted to leave the area.”
“I have not spoken to him yet to get his own side of the story apart from what I read in the Italian media, but it is not a good look. I hope this does not have a negative effect on him and that the matter will be resolved amicably. I really do hope so,” the AFCON 2013 winner added.
Nigeria forward Gift Orban’s future at Italian side Hellas Verona is now under scrutiny after the striker was involved in an altercation.
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Hellas Verona had earlier lost 1-0 at home to AC Milan, and as Orban made his way out of the stadium in his car, he was approached by fans seeking signatures and brief interactions.
However, the forward appeared keen to leave the area quickly and attempted to drive past, but his car was reportedly pelted by some angry supporters.
According to reports in Verona, Orban then got out of his car and became involved in a physical confrontation with an alleged fan who had thrown an object at his vehicle.
The situation quickly escalated in what was already a tense atmosphere following the defeat.
Videos circulating on social media showed a visibly angry Orban confronting a fan, with eyewitnesses claiming that security personnel and the police had to step in to restore calm and prevent the situation from worsening further.
The forward is currently on loan at Hellas Verona from German side TSG Hoffenheim for the season and has been one of the more consistent performers for the club, scoring seven league goals so far.
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His contributions have been important for a side battling near the bottom of the table and fighting to retain their Serie A status.
It was understood that Verona were keen to keep him beyond the current campaign despite their precarious league position.
However, following Sunday’s incident, fresh reports on Monday morning have suggested that the player could return to Germany at the end of the season, with uncertainty now surrounding his immediate future at the club.
