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Nigerian forward Victor Orakpo has completed a loan switch to Montpellier HSC for the 2025/26 season, as confirmed by both clubs, Footynaija.com reports.
The 19-year-old striker will spend the campaign in Ligue 2 as he looks to gain regular first-team experience.
Montpellier, recently relegated from Ligue 1, are banking on Orakpo’s talent and hunger to help them mount an immediate return to the top flight.
Orakpo made four substitute appearances in Ligue 1 last season, alongside a cameo in the UEFA Europa League. Though highly regarded at Nice, his progress was hampered by a combination of injuries and fierce competition in attack — particularly with the likes of Gaetan Laborde and Evann Guessand ahead in the pecking order. With fellow Nigerian Terem Moffi returning from a long-term injury, Orakpo’s opportunities were limited.
#MercatoMHSC
— MHSC (@MontpellierHSC) July 7, 2025
Victor pic.twitter.com/o5rEIQlkbR
Now at Montpellier, the powerful centre-forward will wear the number 14 shirt—previously donned by Nigerian great John Utaka, whose brace secured Montpellier’s historic Ligue 1 title in 2012.
“Victor joins a proud tradition of Nigerian strikers at Montpellier,” the club said in a statement. “We welcome him with high hopes for the new season.”
#MercatoMHSC
— MHSC (@MontpellierHSC) July 7, 2025
️ Les premiers mots de Victor Orakpo pic.twitter.com/j3vnWStuV5
Orakpo, a product of the VOE Foundation in Nigeria, rose to prominence after earning the MVP award at a youth tournament hosted by Bayern Munich in 2022. His performances had attracted interest from clubs across Europe before he joined Nice.
Though the deal does not include a purchase option, Montpellier see Orakpo as a key piece in their promotion push.
