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Nigerian Orban sets hat-trick record as Gent reach UECL quarter-finals

NIGERIAN youngster Gift Orban set a new record for hat-tricks tonight to help Gent into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The 20-year scored his three goals within three minutes and 25 seconds of each other as the Belgian side defeated their hosts Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1.

Orban’s hat-trick is now the fastest in UEFA men’s club competition š—µš—¶š˜€š˜š—¼š—暝˜†.

With the win, Gent advanced past the Turkish club 5-2 on aggregate, the first leg having ended 1-1 in Belgium last week.

Orban got his first goal of the night in the 31st minute and added the second and third in the 32nd and 34th minutes.

Hugo Cuypers added the fourth goal just three minutes after Orban completed his sensational hat-trick as the visitors ran riot.

Former Manchester United forward Adnan Januzaj scored a consolation goal for the hosts two minutes from time.

Only three days ago, Orban scored four goals as Gent defeated Zulte Waregem in a Belgian Pro League clash to announce his arrival in Belgium.

The forward has now netted 10 goals in his last six games for Gent including the back-to-back hat-tricks.

Orban, who left Nigeria in May 2022, joined Gent from Norwegian top flight club Stabaek for ā‚¬3.30 million on January 31 this year.

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Naija Times