Terem Moffi will reportedly join the Nigeria Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after featuring in OGC Nice’s upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Stade Rennes.
The former Lorient forward was drafted into Nigeria’s squad for the tournament as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface.
The 24-year-old has been in sensational form for the French side—sat in second position on the log—this season. He has six goals and two assists in 16 appearances in Ligue 1, delivering impressive performances—with a commanding display in the sensational win over PSG in September a career highlight.
His snub from the initial 25-man list was received with scrutiny as he was expected to, at some point in the tournament, ease the workload on star forward Victor Osimhen.
Moffi to miss Super Eagles’ AFCON opener vs Equatorial Guinea
French publication Sport reports that the striker is likely to feature in one more game for Nice before heading to the Ivory Coast for the AFCON.
The report suggests Moffi’s club is bent on having him for their important league game against Rennes on Saturday, January 13.
This would mean Moffi missing Nigeria’s opening game at the AFCON against Equatorial Guinea, which takes place 24 hours later.
‘Win AFCON for Nigerians’
Meanwhile, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged the Super Eagles to do everything within their power to win the AFCON. The Lagos Governor hosted Jose Peseiro and his players to a farewell dinner before their departure for the tournament.
In a social media post afterwards, Sanwo-Olu said the players carry the hopes of all Nigerians and called on them to play with passion.
“It was an honour to host the Super Eagles this evening at the Lagos State/NFF Send Forth event as they gear up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations,” he wrote.
“My prayers are with our team for strength, resilience and unity on this journey. To the Super Eagles: You carry the hopes of a nation on your shoulders.
“As you represent us at the #AFCON2023 , may you play with passion, unity, and determination. Make Nigeria proud and bring the cup home. Let's soar, Super Eagles!”
The Super Eagles departed for Ivory Coast on Wednesday, January 10.
