Moffi sets Afcon, World Cup targets

Around this time last year, not many people were familiar with Terem Moffi, but fast forward a few months, and he could be among the first names to make the Super Eagles squad for next year’s Afcon

Lorient forward Terem Moffi has earned just two caps for the Nigerian national team, but he is already aiming at playing in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup should the Super Eagles qualify.

Moffi was a little-known forward when he switched Belgian side Kortrijk for newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Lorient for eight million euros last summer.

And despite enduring a slow start to life in France, the 22-year-old finished as one of the breakout stars of the French top-flight. The young Nigerian forward scored 14 goals that played a crucial role in helping Les Merlus avoid relegation.

Moffi’s excellent league campaign earned him a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles in June, and he featured in back-to-back friendly games against Cameroon in Austria.

His place in the national team is not guaranteed, though, with head coach Gernot Rohr able to call on various top-class strikers.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is the undisputed number nine when fit. At the same time, any of Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, KRC Genk’s Paul Onuachu, and Crotone’s Simy Nwankwo could step in to get the job done when the former Lille man is unavailable.

Union Berlin’s record-buy Taiwo Awoniyi and Almeria’s goal-king Umar Sadiq are among the strikers waiting in the wings for the opportunity to join the Super Eagles.

Still, Moffi desires to represent his fatherland at next year’s tournaments, and he knows that the only way there is through further success in Brittany.

“I was very, very moved to play for my national team for the first time,” Moffi said, as quoted by Ligue 1.

“I was really proud. I thank the coach and also Lorient for the visibility. The African Cup of Nations and the World Cup are coming soon, and I would really like to be part of those tournaments.”

Moffi is reportedly the subject of interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, but the former Kortrijk ace insists he is not thinking of leaving France just yet.