ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Red-hot Lorient striker, Terem Moffi,is targeting a call-up to the Super Eagles for their World Cup qualifiers (WCQ) against Liberia and Cape Verde in June.
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has stated that Moffi stands a good chance of being named in the next squad list if he continues with his impressive form, adding that there are very good center forwards he is competing with for a roster spot.
The 21-year-old was prevented from earning his first cap last month after Lorient blocked him from joining the squad due to coronavirus concerns.
“I hope to be invited soon; it would make me very happy. There are a lot of good players in Nigeria, who play for top clubs in Europe,” Moffi said.
“But here, I am focused on my performance in Lorient and the club’s safety in Ligue 1.”
The left-footed player was at his sparkling best during Lorient’s 4-1 rout of Bordeaux on Sunday, scoring the third hat-trick of his professional career but his first in the French top-flight.
Speaking further about Moffi, Rohr said: “We are in awe of what he does. He is efficient; he was spectacular on Sunday, scoring three goals against my former club (Bordeaux).
“I’m angry because he knocked us down. Just kidding, sure, but he’s got a wonderful left foot, he’s powerful, he’s fast and he’s dexterous. That’s all you ask of an attacker.
“I congratulated him on his game. We send each other messages from time to time. I also recently met his father in Nigeria.”
Rohr, who spent 21 years at Bordeaux in playing and managerial capacity, added: “He has a good chance of being there if he continues like this.
“He is very close to the selection, the proof, I had already taken him. I will make my list in three weeks.”
Moffi won’t be lacking suitors in the event that Lorient are relegated to the second-tier, and already Borussia Dortmund are being linked with a swoop for the left-footed striker.
The former K.V. Kortrijk man has made it clear that he would like to remain a player of Lorient next season.
“The season is not over, there are four games left and our focus is on safety, not on transfers. But I want to stay, yes. I have fun here, I love my teammates. So yes,” he added.
Moffi trained with the Golden Eaglets class of 2015 but was not part of the squad for the World Cup in Chile.
Since joining Lorient from Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk last October, Moffi has tallied 15 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions while producing three assists.