Bella-Kotchap Praises Orban’s Match-Winning Brace

Hellas Verona defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has heaped praise on his teammate, Nigerian forward Gift Orban, following the team’s vital 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in a thrilling Serie A contest on Sunday. Orban, who entered the match unexpectedly as a first-half substitute, emerged as the undisputed hero, netting both goals that secured the crucial three points for Verona.

The 23-year-old Nigerian’s impact was immediate and decisive. He was introduced into the fray in the 35th minute, replacing the injured Giovane, and it took him only a few moments to make his mark. Just three minutes before the halftime whistle, Orban successfully broke the deadlock, opening the scoring against the home side. His predatory instincts and clinical finish ensured Verona took a precious lead into the locker room.

Fiorentina fought back strongly in the second half, managing to equalize and putting intense pressure on the Verona defense. However, Orban was not finished with his heroics. Deep into stoppage time, the forward delivered the game-winning goal, snatching a dramatic late victory for the Gialloblu and silencing the home crowd. His brace was a masterclass in timely finishing and efficiency, proving to be the difference between a disappointing draw and a memorable win.

Speaking to DAZN after the victory, Bella-Kotchap was full of admiration for his teammate’s performance. The defender acknowledged the pressure Orban was under, yet celebrated his match-winning contribution. “I’m really happy for him (Orban). He was exceptional, played a very important match and helped us win with his two goals,” Bella-Kotchap stated. While praising the moment, he was quick to challenge the former Olympic Lyon star to maintain his scorching scoring form for the team. “He, like the whole team, must continue like this,” the defender added, emphasizing that consistency is now key to Verona’s season.

The brace against Fiorentina significantly boosts Orban’s personal statistics, bringing his season tally for the Yellow and Blues to four goals and one assist. This performance is a major positive for Verona, which relies heavily on attacking contributions to pull away from the relegation zone. Orban’s exceptional display underscores his importance to the squad and signals his potential to be a defining force in their campaign.