Five goals in the last five matches, Terem Moffi is the revelation of the New Year in the whole of France.
The powerful FC Lorient striker (six goals in all this season) scored and delivered an assist against PSG on Sunday (3-2) after he only came on with half an hour to the end of the match.
The kid from Calabar, Nigeria, will be very important in his club’s survival in Ligue 1 this season.
Growing Up
Terem Moffi: “Like everyone in Nigeria, I started playing football in the streets, before entering an academy, at the age of 11. It was then that I knew I had a chance to become a professional footballer. My father was also a football player. I was good, but I was not the best. “
Exile At 17
“I got admission to a school in England at the age of 17, thanks to football. I never thought it would be possible. It was a big dream coming true.
“It was nevertheless difficult to leave my country for a distant country. I was very young, I did not know life, I was all alone… But I should not think of the past, rather of the future. I had to do it.
“I chose this life, I wanted to succeed in football. In life, you shouldn’t stay in your comfort zone, but you have to look for things. Take risks.”
Discovering Lithuania
Why Lithuania (he signed for Kauno Zalgiris in 2017)?
“Because that was the only option I had! I didn’t know anything about this country. I went to Google to see what it looked like, the food, the culture.
“The first days were difficult. The cold… (he stops and blows) The cold was completely unknown to me. It was hard to adapt. People did not speak English. But I adapted and I did well.
“All in all, I loved my stay there. The people were lovely to me. When they start to adopt you, you almost become a member of their family.
“Also, I’m the type who likes to test things. I enjoyed the food, the culture… ”
His Rise
“Sometimes I can’t believe my eyes when I tell myself that this all happened in less than three years. By the grace of God, it all happened very quickly. Lithuania, Belgium (six months in Kortrijk), now L1 and Lorient. It’s incredible!
Lorient And Ligue 1
“My debut in France was not easy (he arrived in Lorient in September). I would say Ligue 1 is two levels above Belgium.
“I had to adapt to the style of play, to the opponents, to progress physically and tactically. But I feel better now, my mind is cleared and things are coming.
“When things were wrong, I would talk to my father, my mother, who would say to me, “This will come. Do not stress. Think about making yourself happy and just play soccer.
The weight of the transfer (8 million euros)?
“No, I don’t think about it at all. It’s a lot of money, but in my head, in the field, that doesn’t count. It could be 500,000 Euros, 1 or 2 million Euros, it would be the same for me.”
Personal Highlights
“In Lorient, it was the match in Nice, when everything fell into place (2-2, end of December). I played well, the team too, I scored, confidence has returned.
“In my career? Probably when I scored 20 goals in Lithuania. I was all the time in the news.
“The Belgians came to get me, many clubs were interested in me. It opened the doors for me.”
Life In Lorient
“My family here are my partners (smile). We spend a lot of time together: Wiss’ (Wissa), Trevoh (Chalobah), Grbic, “Armando” (Laurienté). We see each other all the time, we have fun, we relax at one or the other’s place, we watch movies, we play cards… Do we cook? No (laughs). We have a chef who takes care of us… ”
Religion
“I am Christian. I believe in God. It is he who gives me everything I experience every day, the strength, the power to do things.
“I don’t go to mass here in Lorient, but I follow church service on the Internet, online service.
“Before and during matches, I pray to God, to give me strength and guide me on the pitch, to lead us to victory. I have no particular superstition.”
National Team
“I haven’t heard from the coach. But if the opportunity arises, I would be extremely happy to represent my country. “
His Future
“Like any footballer, I dream of playing for top clubs. But now, I am focused on Lorient. “
Football In Nigeria
“Soccer is the most important sport in Nigeria. When the national team plays, the country stops. Everyone is in front of their TV. I wouldn’t say it’s a religion, but everyone loves football back home.”
His Inspiration
“I grew up watching Jay-Jay Okocha, Obafemi Martins, Nwankwo Kanu, then Victor Osimhen play. I watch him play a lot, we played together (with Golden Eaglets), he’s a real example.
“Otherwise, I am very often compared to Romelu Lukaku, but I am far from his level! Otherwise, I love Didier Drogba, especially when he was playing for Chelsea. I am also a big fan of Robin Van Persie. He was the best, for me. “
Adapted from ouest-france.fr
