Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi could follow the footsteps of compatriots Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu to Turkey as he becomes the latest Nigerian to be linked with a move to the country, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to reports in Turkey, Beşiktaş have stepped up efforts to sign Moffi from French club OGC Nice as the Turkish giants continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
The Istanbul club, led by head coach Vincenzo Italiano, are looking for a reliable centre-forward who can lead their attack. Moffi has emerged as one of their top targets after months of monitoring the Nigerian striker’s situation in France.
According to reports, Beşiktaş have now moved from watching the player to actively trying to complete a deal. Nice are willing to sell the 27-year-old permanently if they receive an acceptable transfer fee, while Moffi is also ready to leave the Ligue 1 side after his relationship with sections of the club’s supporters broke down.
The move could give the Super Eagles striker a fresh start after two difficult years that included a serious injury, an unhappy spell with fans, and an unsuccessful loan in Portugal.
Why Moffi wants a fresh start after difficult spell at Nice
Moffi returned to Nice this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese giants FC Porto.
During his time in Portugal, the Nigerian made 15 appearances in all competitions. He scored twice, once in the Portuguese league and once in the UEFA Europa League, and also provided one assist. Porto had the option to sign him permanently for around €8 million but decided against activating the clause, meaning he returned to Nice for pre-season.
However, his future at the French club appears to be over. The breakdown in Moffi’s relationship with Nice supporters followed a tense period during the club’s poor run of results. After one defeat, a group of angry fans reportedly confronted Moffi and his teammate Jeremie Boga both verbally and physically. The incident left a lasting impact on the striker, who later appealed to French football authorities to terminate his contract.
With the atmosphere around the club becoming increasingly difficult, Nice are now prepared to allow the Nigerian international to leave if the right offer arrives.
Beşiktaş believe Moffi’s experience across several European leagues makes him the right player to strengthen their attack. The Turkish club are impressed by his physical strength, ability to hold up the ball, pace, and eye for goal.
Moffi has built an impressive career since leaving Nigeria for Europe. He began his professional journey in Lithuania with Kauno Žalgiris and Riteriai before earning a move to Belgian side Kortrijk in 2020.
His performances there quickly caught attention, leading to a transfer to French club Lorient later that year. Moffi adapted quickly to Ligue 1 football, scoring 14 league goals in his first season. He eventually scored 35 goals in 90 appearances for Lorient, earning the admiration of clubs in the French top tier.
Those performances convinced Nice to sign him in January 2023 in a deal that eventually became a permanent transfer worth around €30 million.
He made an immediate impact, producing memorable moments such as a spectacular bicycle-kick goal against Basel in European competition. During the 2023-24 season, he finished as Nice’s top scorer with 11 goals.
Unfortunately, his progress was halted by a serious ACL injury in the summer of 2024. The knee injury kept him out of action for 314 days and made it difficult for him to regain his best form after returning.
Despite those setbacks, Moffi remains highly regarded because of his proven goalscoring record and experience in Lithuania, Belgium, France, Portugal and European competitions.
On the international stage, Moffi made his Super Eagles debut against Cameroon in June 2021. One of his most memorable moments in Nigerian colours came in September 2022 when he scored twice in Nigeria’s record 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
He was also called into Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 AFCON after Victor Boniface suffered an injury, helping the Super Eagles during their run to the final.
