Hoffenheim head coach Christian Ilzer has confirmed that Nigerian forward Gift Orban is in contention for a starting place in Saturday’s Bundesliga fixture against Freiburg.
The 21-year-old, who joined the German side from Lyon earlier this season, has found opportunities limited in recent weeks and remained an unused substitute during Hoffenheim’s most recent outing against Mainz.
However, his attitude and intensity in training appear to have impressed the coaching staff, placing him firmly in the frame for a return to the starting XI.
Since making the move to Hoffenheim, Orban has made 12 appearances in the league, registering four goals in that time.
While his minutes on the pitch have fluctuated, his impact when called upon has kept him in Ilzer’s plans.
The Nigerian international’s finishing ability and movement in the final third continue to offer valuable options for the club’s attack.
In his pre-match press conference, Ilzer addressed Orban’s current situation and praised the striker’s commitment behind the scenes.
“We felt Haris [Tabakovic] was a better fit tactically for the Mainz game, which is why he was selected ahead of Gift,” the manager explained.
“As the match unfolded, our focus shifted to maintaining structure and control, which influenced the substitutions we made.”
Despite that decision, Ilzer was quick to underline Orban’s response during the training week, hinting at a possible shift in selection for the visit of Freiburg.
“Gift trained with great intensity and focus all week. He is certainly a strong option for the match tomorrow,” Ilzer added.
The Freiburg game presents a crucial opportunity for Hoffenheim as they look to strengthen their position in the league table and close in on European qualification.
With several attacking players vying for limited places in the starting lineup, Orban’s bid to reclaim a more prominent role has come at a pivotal time.
The Nigerian’s versatility and eye for goal make him a valuable asset, particularly in tight encounters where moments of individual brilliance can make the difference.
While Ilzer has yet to reveal his final starting eleven, his comments suggest that Orban could be in line for a more significant role than in recent weeks.
As the season nears its conclusion, the spotlight is likely to intensify on squad rotation and the depth of attacking options.
For Orban, the Freiburg clash may offer not just minutes on the pitch, but also a chance to re-establish himself as a reliable starter capable of influencing Hoffenheim’s final run-in.
With competition for places heating up, the Nigerian forward’s performance in training may be exactly what he needs to remind the coaching staff—and fans—of the quality that earned him the move to Germany’s top flight.
All eyes will now turn to the Hoffenheim team sheet to see whether Ilzer’s words translate into opportunity.
