Super Eagles Star Identifies Chelsea Legend As Primary Inspiration Ahead of AFCON Debut

Super Eagles Star Identifies Chelsea Legend As Primary Inspiration Ahead of AFCON Debut

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is in full swing in Ivory Coast
  • Part of the coverage has seen Super Eagles players speaking with the media
  • One Nigerian forward has named a footballing legend as his biggest inspiration

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to go head-to-head with the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau in their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage clash, scheduled for January 22.

This crucial encounter, which could determine the top spots in Group A, could also feature a lineup of players who have yet to participate at the showpiece in Ivory Coast so far.

AFCON, CAF, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Terem Moffi
Nigeria's Terem Moffi during a training session ahead of the AFCON clash against Guinea Bissau. Image: Franck Fife.
Source: Getty Images

Among these potential debutants is that of forward, Terem Moffi.

The OGC Nice forward received a call-up to the Super Eagles camp after Victor Boniface withdrew from the squad due to a groin injury sustained during the team's training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

As Moffi gears up for what could be his AFCON debut, the 24-year-old has named a Chelsea legend as his football inspiration.

Terem Moffi names football inspiration

Hailing from a footballing family, with his father, Le, having played for Enugu Rangers, the former Lorient talisman recently sat down for an interview with football expert, Wale Quadry.

When asked about his biggest football inspiration, the forward revealed:

"In Europe, I was a Chelsea fan, so Didier Drogba. I loved Robin van Persie too, ironically. There were a lot of strikers who were of top, top quality. I watched them."

Reflecting on how watching these seasoned players impacted his game, Moffi stated:

"I watched them play, and I got some of their traits, like how they play and what they do, and that affected my game. When you get bits from top players, it helps your game, and you understand the game even better."

The forward’s choice of Drogba as an inspiration aligns with many African players who hold the Ivory Coast legend in high regard.

Moffi, who is on the cusp of making his AFCON debut, would hope to lead the Super Eagles to victory.

According to data from Whoscored, the forward - who has 14 appearances for the Super Eagles - has netted four goals, including two in qualifying matches for the continental tournament.

Moffi trolls Kylian Mbappe

Sports Brief also previously reported on Terem Moffi taunting Kylian Mbappe during the Ligue 1 tie between OGC Nice and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Nigerian star netted a brace to condemn Luis Enrique’s side to a loss at the Parc des Princes, with his celebration angering the Frenchman.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).