December 30, (THEWILL) – Terem Moffi will not be joining the Super Eagles for the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition in January as he was not included in the list of invitees. It was a particularly pleasing circumstance for FC Lorient boss Christophe Pelissier.
Moffi was named to Gernot Rohr’s initial 37-man shortlist, which was presented to CAF just days before the German was fired as coach of the Super Eagles.
However, Augustine Eguavoen, the temporary head coach, left the former Kortrijk forward off the final 28-man squad announced on Christmas Eve.
The striker would have been a member of the Super Eagles trip to Cameroon if the 2021 AFCON had been held in June, following his outstanding debut season in France. The 23-year-old had 14 Ligue 1 goals to help Lorient keep its top-flight status, and he was one of the country’s breakout talents.
Moffi has not scored in months despite a strong start to the 2021-22 season, when he had two goals and two assists in his first five games.
Eguavoen opted for strikers in Italy, Germany and England, inviting Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi of Union Berlin, and Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City.
But, FCL manager Pelissier has disclosed that Moffi is not disappointed that he will miss the AFCON. Rather, the Ligue 1 side Lorient is relieved with the knowledge that they get to keep their hitman during such an important stage of the season.
Pelissier said about Moffi’s reaction to the omission: “He is not really disappointed because he knew that there, he would only be a foil. Terem knows how important he is here. He is happy to stay, and we too, selfishly, we are satisfied that he is staying here.”
Moffi was not the only Nigerian international based in France who did not make the trip to Cameroon. Samuel Kalu and Josh Maja of Bordeaux were also not selected for the AFCON.
On the other hand, Moses Simon, Nantes winger, was invited to the Nigerian AFCON squad and the Abuja camp opened on Wednesday, December 29. It will begin buzzing with more excitement when the English Premier League players arrive on January 3.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
