Former Nigeria international Simon Zenke, who spent part of his career in France with RC Strasbourg Alsace and AS Nancy Lorraine, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa admitted he feels sorry for Terem Moffi but believes the forward will still attract interest this summer.
Super Eagles forward could be set for another uncertain summer after reports from Portugal suggest FC Porto will not activate the option to sign him permanently following his loan spell at the club.
“Moffi got a break when he moved to Porto, but it has not worked out the way many people expected, which is sad,” Zenke told Footy-Africa. “I was hoping Porto would keep him, but apparently they won’t. He is still a very good player, and we saw glimpses of his quality again in Nigeria’s game against Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup.”
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“The sharpness is coming back, and I am sure he will get another club. I will not advise him to stay at Nice because that relationship looks broken already and it will be difficult to repair. With time left on his contract, I believe a solution can still be found. France is a good place for him and maybe another Ligue 1 club could take a chance on him. I hope that happens,” he concluded.
The 27-year-old joined Porto in January after leaving French side OGC Nice in the aftermath of a troubling incident involving the club’s ultras. The violent episode occurred after Nice’s 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to FC Lorient, when around 400 angry supporters reportedly confronted players and staff at the club’s training ground.
Moffi and fellow player Jérémie Boga were among those physically attacked after a training session. The situation eventually led to both players being placed on administrative leave before they pushed for moves away from the club.
After weeks away from the squad, Moffi secured a temporary move to Porto during the January transfer window. However, his time in Portugal did not go as planned, with the Nigerian striker scoring just two goals in 15 appearances.
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Porto have now reportedly decided against triggering the €8 million buy option included in the loan agreement, meaning Moffi is expected to return to Nice, where he remains under contract until 2027.
A return to the French club, though, appears unlikely to be straightforward. The striker has repeatedly made it clear that he is uncomfortable returning to the environment following the incidents earlier in the season.
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