Nineteen-year-old Nigerian forward Victor Orakpo has joined Montpellier on a season-long loan from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, setting his sights squarely on helping the club win promotion back to the top division. In an exclusive interview, Orakpo described this as a prime opportunity to showcase his talents in Ligue 2.
“I’m here to prove myself,” he said. “We will do everything we can to get Montpellier back to Ligue 1.” The former Nice youth player is determined to deliver both goals and assists this season and pledged unwavering commitment to the fans.
Montpellier began their summer preparations with a 1–0 friendly win over Bastia, and Orakpo is confident that the squad has what it takes to return to France’s elite.
Editorial
We believe this loan move suits Orakpo perfectly. At his age, regular first-team football is more valuable than limited minutes at a top-tier club. Montpellier’s Ligue 2 campaign offers a stage to grow—and to lead their promotion push.
His physical attributes standing at 1.95 m and raw energy make him well suited to the demands of the French second tier. But beyond strength, what stands out is his hunger. He openly stated he wants to help Montpellier return to Ligue 1, showing maturity beyond his years and readiness to shoulder responsibility.
For Montpellier, this signing reflects smart recruitment. They bolster their attack not with aged experience but youthful potential keen to impress and repay faith. Meanwhile, Nice facilitate development without sacrificing long-term investment.
Should Orakpo deliver in goals and assists this season, it could prove transformative. Not only for Montpellier’s objectives, but for his own trajectory elevating him from promising youth to key contributor in a European league. We see this move as a win-win. For Orakpo, opportunity to flourish; for Montpellier, ambition backed by youthful promise. And for Nigerian football, another young export making the right step at the right time.
Did You Know?
- Victor Orakpo was MVP of the Nigeria U‑20 side at the 2022 FC Bayern Youth Cup, scoring six goals.
- Standing at 1.95 m, he brings elite physical presence a rarity among teenage forwards.
- Before signing for Nice, he played at VOE Football Academy and FC Bako in Kogi State the same club producing notable talents like Iheanacho rivals.
- Montpellier have a history of giving Nigerian players a platform John Utaka, Akor Adams and Uche Agbo all made French football breakthroughs there.
- His move comes as Montpellier seek immediate promotion relegated from Ligue 1 in 2025, they aim to bounce back swiftly.
