From Belgium to Italy: Nigeria’s two outstanding youngsters on Bologna’s radar

Serie A campaigners Bologna are reportedly showing interest in signing two of Nigeria’s breakout stars, Victor Boniface and Gift Emmanuel Orban, for the upcoming season.

Both players currently play in Belgium, with Boniface playing for Union Saint-Gilloise and Orban for Ghent.

Boniface, 22, has had an impressive season so far, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists in 43 games for his club, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League. He was signed for two million euros from Bodo Glimt, and his current valuation is now soaring.

Orban, 20, has also had a standout season, scoring 12 goals in 10 games, including a hat-trick in three minutes against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League.

Boniface is not short of admirers following his excellent performances with Serie A giants Napoli among clubs already credited with an interest in the youngster.

Orban, who is great friends with Boniface, is also said to be on the radar of AC Milan.

According to 1000cuorirossoblu, Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori is looking at Orban and Boniface to help revamp the club’s attack ahead of the next season, with Marko Arnautovic’s future still uncertain. The Austrian has had a troubled season due to injuries, and his fate will depend on personal plans and those of Bologna.

It would, however, amount to a huge transfer coup if the Rossoblu can beat other competitors to Orban, the most valuable Nigerian 20-year-old in Europe.