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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Hibs vs Midtjylland: The key Euro battles at Easter Road
Everything seems to be set up for a confident Hibs side, who finished last season in third - a remarkable comeback after an early run that at one point saw them languishing at the foot of the table. A strong Midtjylland side who have already started their league campaign with two wins from two stand in their way, and the Hibs fans will hope to drown out both their small travelling support and any chances they have of progressing further in the competition. Here are three key battles which will decide whether Sunshine on Leith will be belted out come full time, or Midtjylland will rip up the script and spoil the party. Jordan Obita vs Kevin Mbabu With the possibility of extra time looming if the tie remains even, it could very well be decided by tired legs in the wide areas. As the time continues to tick on at Easter Road both Mbabu and Obita will have to contend with not only each other, but the pacey, tricky players of the respective teams. Former Rangers man Mbabu signed for Midtjylland from Fulham last summer, and will be looking to build on the fourteen league appearances he made. Obita has been a stalwart for Hibs over the past two years and recently agreed terms on a fresh deal to keep him at Easter Road until 2027. Though both men are defenders, there is a possibility that their attacking contributions could prove decisive as they bomb up and down that flank - Obita the man with slightly more individual responsibility, playing as a wing back just ahead of the back three. The man who can most effectively balance their defensive and attacking responsibilities in what could turn out to be a gruelling tie towards the end will go a long way to deciding the winner. Kieron Bowie vs Jonas Lössl Kieron Bowie is a major threat for Hibs (Image: SNS Group) Kieron Bowie is a man with a point to prove this season following his debut year in Edinburgh being largely halted by a serious hamstring injury. Gray recently praised Bowie on getting his first Scotland cap, and insisted that the 22-year-old showed the attitude required to succeed on the pitch during his rehab as he battled to get back to fitness and get into starting contention. While Midtjylland goalkeeper Jonas Lössl did not concede any other goals in the first leg, it was his error that allowed Hibs the lead that they held for the majority of the match. He will be laser focussed on producing perfection at Easter Road. Now back at full fitness, Bowie will be aiming to prove his sharpness on the European stage. He may have Lössl's mistake on his mind as he looks to be Hibs' hero. The massive Easter Road support will need no excuse to jump all over any nerves from Lössl, but at 36 years old, Midtjylland's veteran goalkeeper will look to prove he has the experience to keep his opponents at bay. Rocky Bushiri vs Franculino Djú Midtjylland striker Franculino Djú played the full ninety in the first leg and did not really get going, largely thanks to the work of Bushiri at the heart of the Hibs back line. Having already scored five in two league matches this season, including a hat-trick against Sønderjyske, he will want to transfer this form to boost his team in Europe and not just on the domestic front. Standing in his way once more will be the Congolese defender, a man who has completely reformed his image in the eyes of the Hibs support and earned a new contract that runs until 2028. Gray trusts him implicitly, and barring anything unexpected, he will start and be key to Hibs' hopes of a clean sheet. In a similar vein to Bowie, Djú will be hoping to make himself a hero on a European stage as one of the main focal points of Midtjylland alongside Adam Buksa. Having two strikers at the fore could be key for the Danish side as they face a Hibs team playing three centre backs who look to suffocate isolated opposition strikers.
Edinburgh Reporter
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Jordan Obita signs contract extension at Hibs
Jordan Obita has signed a new contract that extends his time at Hibs until the summer of 2027. In his first season at Hibs, Obita's eye-catching displays saw him win two awards; the 2023/24 Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season. Since joining in 2023, the left-back has made 87 appearances to date, alongside chipping in with seven assists and two goals. One of those strikes was a memorable one as he bagged in Hibs UEFA Europa Conference League win against Luzern at Easter Road in August 2023. His performances for Hibs also earned him an international call-up to Uganda. On Obita's new deal, Hibs Head Coach David Gray said: 'I'm really pleased we've been able to extend Jordan's stay with us. He's an important part of the squad and has shown real consistency since joining us a couple of years ago. 'Jordan adds flexibility to the backline being able to play at left-wing back and on the left-side of the back three and has attributes that help us defensively and going forward. We look forward to continuing working with him.' Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'We're constantly planning for the future and extending Jordan's contract at this club for a further year is a really positive step. 'Not only has Jordan showed his ability during his time with us, but he also leads by example at HTC and on the pitch every single day. He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and has helped a lot of them settle into the group when coming up from the Academy. 'Jordan has a young family and is really enjoying his time with us, so we're all delighted he will continue his stay with us.' Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs boss David Gray thrilled as 'important' Jordan Obita tied down on new deal
The former Reading, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers was praised for the versatility he brings to the Easter Road side. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs head coach David Gray was delighted that the club were able to secure a new contract for Jordan Obita, describing the former Reading player as an 'important part' of his squad. The 31-year old was in the final season of his deal at Easter Road, having been a club since 2023, and has put pen to paper on a two year extension which will keep him in the capital until the summer of 2027. It is another important piece of business for the club as they prepare for the new domestic season and their European campaign which begins next week with the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against FC Midtjylland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The defender, who in his first season with Hibs in 2023/24 was named Hibs' Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, brings essential versatility to the squad especially if they progress to league phase European football. Those qualities were praised by David Gray upon the announcement of the twice capped Uganda international's new deal. The Hibs gaffer said: 'I'm really pleased we've been able to extend Jordan's stay with us. He's an important part of the squad and has shown real consistency since joining us a couple of years ago. 'Jordan adds flexibility to the backline being able to play at left-wing back and on the left-side of the back three and has attributes that help us defensively and going forward. We look forward to continuing working with him.' Hibs 'planning for the future' as Obita lands new two year contract Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'We're constantly planning for the future and extending Jordan's contract at this club for a further year is a really positive step. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Not only has Jordan showed his ability during his time with us, but he also leads by example at HTC and on the pitch every single day. He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and has helped a lot of them settle into the group when coming up from the Academy. 'Jordan has a young family and is really enjoying his time with us, so we're all delighted he will continue his stay with us.' Since joining Hibs 2023, Obita has made 87 first team appearances and contributed seven assists and two goals. One of those strikes was a memorable one as he bagged in the UEFA Europa Conference League win against Luzern at Easter Road in August 2023. Obita's contract extension means that Hibs now have five first team players who are currently set to be out of contract by this time next summer. Élie Youan, Lewis Miller, Martin Boyle, Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett are all now in the final year of their existing Hibs' contracts.
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Jordan Obita commits future to Hibs with contract extension
In his first season at Easter Road, Obita's eye-catching displays saw him win the club's 2023/24 Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, as well as earn him an international call-up for Uganda. Obita has made 87 appearances since his move to the capital in 2023. In that time, he's provided seven assists and scored twice. David Gray said: 'I'm really pleased we've been able to extend Jordan's stay with us. He's an important part of the squad and has shown real consistency since joining us a couple of years ago. 'Jordan adds flexibility to the backline being able to play at left-wing back and on the left side of the back three and has attributes that help us defensively and going forward. We look forward to continuing to work with him.' Malky Mackay added: 'We're constantly planning for the future and extending Jordan's contract at this club for a further year is a really positive step. 'Not only has Jordan shown his ability during his time with us, but he also leads by example at HTC and on the pitch every single day. He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and has helped a lot of them settle into the group when coming up from the academy. 'Jordan has a young family and is really enjoying his time with us, so we're all delighted he will continue his stay with us.'
Edinburgh Reporter
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs pre-season training camp concludes with 6-3 defeat to Ajax in Amsterdam
Hibs pre-season training camp concluded with 6-3 defeat to Ajax in a behind-closed-doors fixture at the De Toekomst (Ajax Training Centre) in Amsterdam this afternoon. Head coach David Gray made a number of changes to the starting XI that were held to a goalless draw against MSV Duisburg and went with the following team: Smith, C. Cadden, Megwa, Bushiri, Iredale, Obita, Levitt, Campbell, McGrath, Youan, Boyle Steven Berghuis opened the scoring for the hosts in the eighth minute with a superb strike from outside the area. Moments later Berghuis doubled Ajax with a first-time finish from inside the box. Hibs pulled one back in the 15th minute when Martin Boyle finished a superb cross from Jordan Obita. Five minutes later Ajax restored their two-goal advantage when Mika Godts curled home from the edge of the area. Ajax midfielder, Cian Fitz-Jim added a fifth with a first-time finish before the break. As planned, Gray made a number of changes with a new starting XI coming out for the second half. Second Half Starting XI: Sallinger, Miller, O'Hora, Ekpiteta, Obita, Nicky Cadden, Mulligan, Campbell, Manneh, McGrath, Bowie. Ahmetcan Kaplan nodded in Ajax's sixth goal with a free header from a corner early in the second half as both sides made a raft of changes. Logan Jimenez, Joseph McGrath and Junior Hoilett were introduced to the action on the hour mark, with Jamie McGrath, Josh Campbell and Jordan Obita all making way. Lewis Miller had an opportunity to pull one back from a set-piece of our own moments later, however, his powerful header flew agonisingly wide of the far post. Junior Hoilett then latched onto a great pass over the top from Josh Mulligan, taking the ball down on his chest before applying a clever finish with his left foot. Ajax then hit the woodwork twice in quick succession – the first a brilliant save from Raphael Sallinger to tip Faberski's curling shot onto the bar, before Ekpiteta saw his clearance rebound back off his own post and away to safety. Ajax substitute goalkeeper, Reverson pulled off an excellent save to deny Kieron Bowie – blocking a shot with his feet to divert the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Bowie got a deserved goal – prodding the ball home at the back post after Warren O'Hora headed Nicky Cadden's corner into a dangerous area. Hibs are back in action on Wednesday night when German side Rot Weiss Essen visit Easter Road. Like this: Like Related
