Two young Nigerians, Orban and Boniface, are creating history in Belgium

Posted : 19 April 2023

On Saturday night in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, two of Nigeria's top football talents squared off in a match for a spot in the championship play-offs.

The battle of Nigeria's rising stars on the European scene was set up by Gift Orban of KAA Gent and Victor Boniface of Royale Union Saint Gilloise. The two have established themselves as stars this year and are already club favorites far from home.

There is a great deal of optimism in Ghent that Orban will guide the Buffalos to the third-tier European football championship this year. The 20-year-old Nigerian has rapidly established up a reputation as a diligent worker.

In addition, he was up against a powerful attacker in Boniface, a fellow countryman who had led Union to the quarterfinals of the Europa League and scored seven goals in the Belgian first division. The huge striker has superb footwork despite having a bulky 1.93m body.

Soon after the game began, Amani Lazare lost his defender and blasted into the roof of the net after Boniface had entranced the Gent defenders. The 20,000-seat Ghelamco Arena's home fans were briefly silenced.

Nonetheless, the home team never gave up. Orban battled, huffed and puffered, went to the ground between tackles, booed the referee for good calls, and continued poking the Union defenders. Although he was denied clear-cut opportunities during the game, his work ethic kept the opposition on guard.

Union had a tiny lead going into the half that they needed to hold onto at all costs. The hosts controlled play in the second half and made an effort to score an equalizer, making it more challenging.

On the 65th minute, Boniface was replaced, and the Nigerian player stormed off the pitch furious. He hoped to achieve his objective by fighting for the cause. Hugo Cuypers scored the equalizer on 80 minutes, however, after Union gave up a penalty that was confirmed by VAR, sending the home supporters into a riot.

Shortly thereafter, Orban was dragged away. He became angry and exited the pitch. He, too, desired to confirm his reputation and advance it.

This week's quarterfinals of the European Cup will feature both boys. When Royale Union Saint Gilloise travels to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League, Gent hosts West Ham United in the European Conference League.

Two young Nigerians, Orban and Boniface, are creating history in Belgium

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