Terem Moffi’s AFCON absence: Who is best to step up for the Super Eagles?

OGC Nice forward, Terem Moffi, faces the disappointment of missing out on featuring for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations due to a hamstring injury, as noted by Soccernet.ng.

Scheduled for his 16th start of the season against Le Havre, Moffi’s hopes were dashed as he sustained a hamstring injuryMoffi’s hopes were dashed as he sustained a hamstring injury just hours before the game, as confirmed by a tweet from OGC Nice.

Touché aux ischios, Terem Moffi ne figure pas sur la feuille de match, tout comme Teddy Boulhendi et Daouda Traoré.#HACOGCN #OGCNice pic.twitter.com/N8vK2TaHrU

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) December 16, 2023

This unfortunate setback is likely to sideline the former Lorient forward from Jose Peseiro’s 27-man squad list for the upcoming tournament. Despite Moffi’s absence, reports indicate Peseiro has submitted a 50-man provisional squad list, set to be trimmed down to 27.

In addition to Moffi’s unavailability, forwards Gift Orban and Turkish-based Paul Onuachu won’t reportedly feature in Nigeria’s AFCON squad.

With Moffi’s expected absence, attention turns to potential replacements who can fill a similar role in the squad. Victor Boniface emerges as a viable supporting striker imaging Moffi’s role in the Super Eagles setup. Boniface’s noteworthy performances at the club level could warrant his inclusion in the list.

The Nigerian football community speculates on the best candidate to replace Moffi in the Super Eagles squad.

Paul Onuachu:

The towering striker, known for his scoring prowess and physical presence, is a notable candidate. However, Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar, and the recovering Taiwo Awoniyi seem better suited for the same position as Onuachu in the team’s setup.

Akor Adams:

The Nigerian youngster having showcased his ability as a formidable striker in Ligue 1 with seven goals in 15 appearances for Montpellier, could be a potential Moffi replacement. Yet, doubts linger regarding Adams’ suitability as a supporting striker in Peseiro’s system.

Gift Orban:

The 21-year-old, despite a comparatively subdued season at KAA Gent, possesses the ability to complement a striker, akin to Peseiro’s preferred style. Orban’s experience in formations involving two frontline strikers at Gent could potentially translate well to the Super Eagles setup.