side KAA Gent, a team with a rich history of Nigerian players, are on the verge of signing another striker from the country to replace the departed Gift Orban, reports.

Over 20 players from Nigeria have worn the Gent blue, including Austin Eguavoen, Etim Esin, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong and Taiwo Awoniyi.

According to reports in Belgium, the Limburgers have put a deal for Danish-born forward of Nigeria descent, Anosike Ementa, who is currently under contract with Danish side Viborg FF until 2026.

The 21-year-old joined the club from Aalborg in the summer, where he had played 37 times for the senior side without scoring. This season, he has scored eight goals for the Viborg first team in 25 games, providing four assists as well.

Gent need a revamped strike force for next season, having sold both Hugo Cuypers and Orban in January.

Meanwhile, Orban has been enjoying a recent spark in form for Olympique Lyon following his €13m move in January, showcasing his scoring prowess with two crucial goals off the bench in April.

His ability to make an immediate impact has bolstered Lyon’s chances in both the Coupe de France and the French Ligue 1.

In Lyon’s thrilling Coupe de France semi-final clash against Valenciennes on April 2, Orban stole the spotlight just three minutes after being subbed on.

Facing a determined Valenciennes side, Orban put the game to bed with a decisive strike, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory to set up a final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Orban’s heroics continued in Lyon’s Ligue 1 encounter against relegation-threatened Nantes.

Despite starting on the bench, Orban made his presence felt when he entered the pitch in the 86th minute, scoring his debut league goal and completing Lyon’s 3-1 comeback win.

The 21-year-old finished 2023 as Nigeria’s top scorer in Europe with 32 goals in the calendar year, six more than Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen, who was second. He has struggled to achieve those heroics in France but has managed to score three goals since arriving on January 31.

Orban is Nigeria’s top scorer for Gent with 32 goals in 52 matches, followed by Moses Simon, who scored 21 goals in 136 games and Samuel Kalu with 10 goals in 55 games.