Gent ex-goalkeeper Wim De Coninck blames Gift Orban for poor form

Former KAA Gent goalkeeper Wim De Coninck is the latest to hit out hard on the Nigerian who has scored just two goals in nine matches in the Jupiler this season.

The 21-year-old had a debut season to remember after he arrived Gent from Norwegian outfit, Starbaek, in January 2023, as he notched an impressive 20 goals in just 22 matches to help Gent book a place in Europe.

In his first full season, Orban has netted just one goal in his last ten matches and seven in 17 in all competitions, which has cost him his place in the Gent starting lineup.

The Nigerian caught the attention of some European top-flight giants including a sensational move to the Premier League, having been reportedly eyed by Tottenham as Harry Kane’s replacement.

However, the former goalkeeper believes Orban has only himself to blame after losing his starting berth at the Belgian club this season.

“What Gift achieved in his first months in Gent was miraculous, phenomenal,” he said per Het Nieuwsblad.

“It is normal that such a performance cannot last forever. Even then, it was noticeable that he was mainly focused on himself.

“They’ve certainly tried to get him to focus more on the team, but he’s kind of lost sight of that goal.

“Especially now you see his shortcomings and he’s fighting with himself. How do we solve this? It will take patience, I’m afraid. We very rarely see Orban in the zone of truth. It must be difficult for him.

“Just a few months ago, we were talking about a big move to England or somewhere else.

“Now he’s on the bench in Gent and he has to overcome this difficult period, which is probably new for him. I’m sure they try to talk to him a lot in Gent, but if they then put him on the bench.”