Terem Moffi has turned a difficult chapter into a fresh opportunity after completing a move to Portuguese giants FC Porto from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
Former Nigeria international Simon Zenke, who played in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg and closely follows Nigerian players in France, believes the move is a timely one.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Zenke expressed relief that Moffi can now focus on football again.
“This comes as good news not just for Terem but all of us here in France,” Zenke said. “What he has gone through in the last weeks is not good at all. I hope his mental health is good at this moment. It wasn’t like he was doing badly for Nice when the fans did what they did. No human being or footballer should be harassed that way.”
“Fans have the right to be angry, but to resort to violence? I do not subscribe to that. He needed a change of scene and I am happy he will get it in Portugal, where he can play with ease and not have to be looking behind his back. I believe he will do well with Porto. There are good quality players there to bring out the best in him, and he will score goals,” he concluded.
Moffi has been handed the number 29 jersey at the Estádio do Dragão and will reunite with Francesco Farioli, a coach he previously worked with during his time at Nice.
That familiarity could help him settle quickly at a club as they chase the Portuguese league title.
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After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future, the Super Eagles forward will continue his career in Portugal, joining Porto on loan with an option to buy set at €8 million, plus add-ons of up to €250,000 tied to collective and individual performance targets.
The deal also includes a clause that will see Nice retain 10 percent of any future capital gains should Porto decide to sell the striker on.
For Moffi, the move represents more than just a change of club. It offers a chance to reset after nearly two months of inactivity and an unsettling end to his time in France.
The 26-year-old had been sidelined following a troubling incident last year, when he and teammate Jérémie Boga were attacked by sections of Nice supporters after a 3–1 defeat to Lorient, Moffi’s former club.
Reports from the scene stated that the players were punched, spat at, kicked and verbally abused near the Boulevard Jean-Luciano after the team returned from the trip. Both players were subsequently placed on medical leave by the club.
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Porto are top of the Liga Portugal with 55 points after 19 games, seven points ahead of nearest rivals Sporting Lisbon.
