Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has welcomed Gift Orban’s move to Serie A, praising the striker’s talent and ambition, but he has also warned that Italian football will present one of the toughest challenges of his young career.
Onazi, who spent five seasons at Lazio and made over 100 appearances in the Italian top flight, knows firsthand how demanding Serie A can be and believes Orban will need to push himself to succeed.
Hellas Verona introduced Gift Orban after finalizing the transfer
“It is very good for him to come to Italy because it is one of the strongest leagues tactically in Europe, and it will be good for his career development. It will help him a lot in his game, and he has been good in all the leagues he played in, but Serie A will be a good step for him,” Onazi exclusively told footy-Africa.
He also highlighted Orban’s impressive journey through Belgium, France, and Germany, expressing confidence that the 22-year-old has the ability to adapt and flourish in Italy.
“He has been good in all the places he has played, in Belgium, France, and Germany, and you can see the talent is there. So for sure, I am sure he will do well in the Italian league. It is just for him to improve on all he has done so that he will be a more complete player,” he said.
Onazi also urged Verona fans to be excited about their new signing, tipping his compatriot to deliver goals.
“The fans will enjoy Gift in Verona. They should expect a lot of exciting football, and his teammates will also enjoy him. They should just supply him with balls in the box because he has the eyes for goals, and I believe he is going to do just that,” Onazi noted.
Hellas Verona to sign Gift Orban: €10m fee + wages – Transfer breakdown
Super Eagles forward Gift Orban completed a move to Serie A side Hellas Verona on a season-long loan, with an option to make his stay in Italy permanent.
