'Scored a hat-trick in Istanbul' - West Ham boss Moyes wary of 'dangerous' Gift Orban

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's Europa Conference League quarterfinal first leg clash against KAA Gent at the Ghelamco Arena on Thursday evening, West Ham manager David Moyes has warned his players to be wary of the threat posed by Gift Orban.

In Gent's last outing in the Conference League, Orban wrote his name in the record books by scoring the quickest hat-trick in the history of UEFA club competition.

The Nigerian forward netted three goals in three minutes and 25 seconds during Gent's 4-1 rout of İstanbul Başakşehir on March 15, 2023.

Orban has been in sensational form since his transfer to Gent in the January transfer window, having mustered fourteen goals from twelve appearances in all competitions. 

Moyes has highlighted that the Nigerian youngster is Gent's main attacking threat but also noted that the Jupiler Pro League side have other players who can deliver the goods. 

In quotes relayed by Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Moyes stated : " Ghent did very well in Istanbul. They are going very strong. Gift Orban scored a hat-trick in Istanbul. 

"He is a very dangerous player but we saw them work enough and realize that their core has several strong players. 

"We don't know everything about Ghent, but we really did our homework. We just have to get to our best level to go one round and keep our perfect record in Europe."

West Ham United may be struggling in the Premier League but they are the form team in the Europa Conference League with ten consecutive victories in the competition, including the qualifying rounds. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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