Super Eagles forward Gift Orban scored his first goal for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in their thrilling 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, who joined the German club from French side Lyon during this transfer window, made an immediate impact in the match.
Hoffenheim, who are currently battling relegation, played at home but found themselves trailing in the 28th minute after Hugo Ekitike converted a penalty for the visitors.
The hosts thought they had equalized when Adam Hlozek scored, but VAR ruled the goal offside, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Orban came off the bench in the 63rd minute and wasted no time making his presence felt.
Just two minutes after his introduction, the Nigerian striker latched onto a precise cross from Hlozek to tap in the equalizer.
However, Ekitike restored Frankfurt’s lead in the 71st minute with his second goal of the game.
Hoffenheim fought back, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time, when Hlozek redeemed himself with a late equalizer to secure a crucial point for the struggling side.
With 19 matches played, Hoffenheim remains just above the relegation zone, sitting in 15th place with 18 points.
Orban will take confidence from scoring his first Bundesliga goal, but his overall contribution against Frankfurt was limited.
In 27 minutes on the pitch, the Nigerian managed just six touches and recorded one shot on target, which resulted in his goal.
He attempted two passes, completing one for a 50% success rate, and delivered one cross. However, Orban struggled in duels, failing to win his only aerial duel and two ground duels.
Despite these challenges, his ability to convert a crucial chance underscores his potential to become a key player for Hoffenheim in their battle to remain in the Bundesliga.
Orban’s goal-scoring instinct could be vital for Hoffenheim as the season unfolds.
