Gift Orban has expressed his strong determination and unwavering commitment to help Hoffenheim avoid relegation and secure their place in the Bundesliga for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.

The Nigerian striker made this known in a recent interview with the club’s official website, assuring fans of his readiness to fight until the final whistle of the season.

Currently, Hoffenheim sit precariously in 14th place on the Bundesliga standings, having managed to gather just 27 points from 28 league matches. This leaves them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, with the bottom three teams battling for survival as the campaign approaches its tense final stretch.

With just six crucial matches remaining before the season concludes, every point earned will play a significant role in determining the fate of the club.

Since arriving at Hoffenheim from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon during the January transfer window, Orban has shown flashes of brilliance and quickly settled into the squad. In his 12 Bundesliga appearances so far, the 22-year-old Nigerian forward has registered four important goals and is now aiming to increase that tally as the club’s battle for survival intensifies.

Speaking about his decision to join Hoffenheim and his plans for the remainder of the season, Orban said:

“Hoffenheim is a good club, but in a difficult situation right now. Many clubs reached out to me during the winter transfer window, but here the management showed me respect and sincerity. They convinced me to join, and I feel at home here. I now want to score more goals and do everything possible to help us stay in the Bundesliga. The fans deserve it, and we owe it to ourselves as players to give everything in these final matches.”

Orban’s arrival injected new hope and optimism into the Hoffenheim fanbase, and his visible commitment and work ethic on the pitch suggest that he could prove to be a crucial difference-maker in the club’s relegation battle.

As pressure mounts on the team and manager alike, Orban has remained focused, showing resilience and belief that the team can turn their fortunes around before the campaign ends.

Away from club football, the striker also has his sights set on returning to the national stage. With the next Super Eagles squad set to be announced in June for international friendlies and qualifiers, Orban knows that a strong finish to the season could significantly improve his chances of earning a recall to the Nigerian national team setup under head coach Eric Chelle.

A recall would mark a notable milestone in his career, especially after his recent move to the Bundesliga, and he remains hopeful that his performances can catch the attention of the national selectors.

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim will be desperate to secure a positive result when they host Mainz at the PreZero Arena this weekend. The match offers a crucial opportunity to end their current five-game winless streak and ease their relegation fears. All eyes will be on Orban to step up and deliver the much-needed goals that could drag the club further away from danger.

His performances over these remaining fixtures will not only shape the immediate future of Hoffenheim but could also determine the next phase of his club and international career.

The club’s fans, management, and teammates will be counting on his attacking prowess and goal-scoring instincts to guide them to safety in what promises to be a nerve-wracking end to the season.