MEET THE YOUNG NIGERIAN ATTACKING MIDFIELDER GABRIEL OROK EBITHAM WHO IS MAKING WAVES IN GLOBAL FOOTBALL
BY Akpo Esco
Gabriel Orok Ibitham (born April 28, 2001) is a Nigerian professional footballer from Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State.
He is an attacking midfielder who plays on the left or right wing. He is known for his pace and powerful shooting ability. The 1.62m tall midfielder first gained prominence at Enyimba Football Club of Aba before moving to the Egyptian league and, currently, the Libyan Premier League.
KEY CAREER MILESTONES
Early Career
The tactical midfielder started his football journey as an academy player with Diamond Stars Football Club of Calabar.
He later joined Rovers Football Club of Calabar from his boyhood club, Diamond Stars.
Breakthrough
While playing for Rovers FC of Calabar, his performances for the pro-league side in pre-season friendlies and the Nigeria Challenge Cup (FA Cup) caught the eye of several NPFL clubs, including Enugu Rangers, Abia Warriors, and Enyimba FC of Aba.
Enyimba FC
Gabriel Orok Ibitham later moved to Enyimba FC of Aba that same year from Rovers FC of Calabar, where he signed his first professional contract. He played in the NPFL and the CAF Confederation Cup between 2018 and 2022.
His performances at Enyimba were noticed within Nigeria and the global football scene, earning him trials abroad, including with Lille in France and other clubs that sought his signature.
International Move
He joined Egyptian side Ghazl El Mahalla in October 2022, where he showcased himself as a reliable attacking midfielder in Africa. His powerful goals and assists made him one of the league’s best players in Egypt.
Libyan League
He played for Al Nasr and later moved to Al Ahly in the same league. His performances there were outstanding, with highlight videos of his goals and assists circulating across Africa. This is a key reason Gabriel Orok Ibitham should be followed and monitored by the national scouting team and considered for the Nigeria national team soon.
Current Club
Gabriel Orok Ibitham currently plays for Libyan Premier League side Asswehly SC. He signed his contract with them on January 28, 2026.
As of March 2026, he is 24 years old and holds a market value of approximately £225k, with his contract at Asswehly SC running until June 30, 2026.
