Gift Orban: Nigeria striker hits hat-trick to move Gent closer to European spot 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian striker Gift Orban scored a second half hat trick to help Gent beat 10 man Cerle Brugge 4-0 in the Matchday three of Belgium Jupiler league playoffs on Saturday.

Orban’s goals culminated to miserable night for Cerle who were looking to stage comeback to the fight for Europa Conference league spot but met a more determined Gent side.

The torrid night began for the hosts with the sending off of their defender, Christiaan Ravych before half an hour.

Gent took advantage of the numerical strength to break the defense of Cerle Brugge when Hugo Cuypers scored with four minutes to end the first half.

Orban turned the second half to his show with three goals to himself which came in the 51st, 64th and 67th minutes to send Gent to comfortable top of the group.

The youngster, who is on his debut season in the Belgian football has 14 league goals with two assists and 22 goals in all competitions.