Super Eagles Striker Faces Uncertain Future As Porto Walk Away From Deal

Super Eagles Striker Faces Uncertain Future As Porto Walk Away From Deal

By Admin 

Portuguese giants FC Porto have decided against activating the €8 million purchase option for Nigerian striker Terem Moffi following an underwhelming loan spell from French club OGC Nice, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision leaves the Super Eagles forward searching for a new destination this summer, with a return to Nice also appearing unlikely after his strained relationship with the Ligue 1 side.

Moffi joined Porto on loan after a turbulent exit from Nice, where he and teammate Jeremie Boga were reportedly assaulted by supporters in late 2025. Nice co-president Maurice Cohen had previously ruled out the duo’s return, stating: “They will not return to Nice, whether their buy options are triggered or not.”

According to reports in Portugal, Porto initially explored the possibility of renegotiating a reduced transfer fee with Nice after the conclusion of Moffi’s temporary stay at the Estádio do Dragão.

However, negotiations eventually collapsed, with the Portuguese club unwilling to proceed with the agreed €8 million clause.

The 26-year-old struggled to make a significant impact during his brief time at Porto, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that Porto have now shifted their focus towards signing two alternative attacking options instead of pursuing a permanent move for the Nigerian international.

Despite his recent struggles, Moffi continues to attract interest across Europe.

Premier League side West Ham United have long admired the striker and previously submitted a £25 million bid for him in January 2023 as they searched for a potential successor to Michail Antonio.

Aston Villa also held talks with his representatives during the same transfer window, while Serie A club Lazio are reportedly monitoring his situation as they seek additional attacking reinforcements.

Interest has also emerged from France, with Olympique de Marseille and Paris FC believed to be tracking the forward, while Turkish giants Fenerbahçe remain long-term admirers.

Moffi built a strong reputation during his five seasons in Ligue 1 with FC Lorient and Nice, scoring 54 league goals and registering 11 assists in 148 appearances.

His performances convinced Nice to secure his services permanently in January 2023 in a deal reportedly worth €30 million — a club-record package at the time.

The Nigerian striker first rose to prominence after moving from Belgian side KV Kortrijk to Lorient in 2020. He scored 14 goals in his debut Ligue 1 campaign to help Lorient avoid relegation before netting 12 times in the opening half of the 2022–23 season, briefly challenging Kylian Mbappé and Neymar among the league’s top scorers.

Moffi also made an immediate impact at Nice following his big-money move, contributing nine goals and three assists in his opening 20 matches before ending the 2023–24 season as the club’s leading scorer with 11 goals.