Moffi: Ex-Strasbourg forward cautions Super Eagles star over transfer decision

Former Super Eagles and Strasbourg forward Simon Zenke has issued a strong warning to Terem Moffi amid growing uncertainty over his future, Afrik-Foot reports.

Moffi heads into the summer transfer window with questions surrounding his long-term future at French club Nice and his future at the club looks very bleak, given he has not featured for them since November.

The 27-year-old was among several players, including Ivorian forward Jeremie Boga, who were confronted and assaulted by sections of Nice’s ultras at the club’s training ground following a 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient.

Following the incident, both players were placed on administrative leave after reportedly refusing to play for the club again. They subsequently secured loan moves during the January transfer window, with Moffi joining Portuguese giants FC Porto.

Despite his club struggles, Moffi delivered an impressive performance for Nigeria in their 2-0 Unity Cup semi-final victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday, where he captained the Super Eagles for the first time and provided assists for both of Femi Azeez’s goals to help seal the win.

Simon Zenke cautions Terem Moffi over Nice stay

Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi joined Porto on loan during the winter transfer window, with the Portuguese champions holding an option to make the deal permanent for €8 million at the end of the season.

However, the move did not go as planned with the Nigerian forward managing just two goals during his spell at the club. Porto have now decided against activating the purchase option, which would see Moffi return to Nice this summer.

His future at Nice also remains unclear, particularly due to his strained relationship with the club’s supporters. Nice co-president Maurice Cohen has also previously indicated that both Moffi and Boga do not feature in the club’s future plans, making a summer departure increasingly likely.

Speaking on the situation, former Super Eagles forward Simon Zenke, who spent part of his playing career in France, believes Moffi would be better off by seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere.

“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.

“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.

Moffi’s immediate focus will now shift to Nigeria’s Unity Cup final clash against Jamaica on Saturday, where he will be hoping to build on his encouraging performance against Zimbabwe as the Super Eagles aim to continue their dominance in the competition.

The 27-year-old will also be involved in next month’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, before turning his full attention to resolving his club future ahead of the new season.