“Improved a lot” – Terem Moffi’s former coach weighs in on striker’s FC Porto start

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi opened his goalscoring account for FC Porto over the weekend in his side's 3-1 win over Arouca, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian played at Riteriai under Edgaras Jankauskas, and the manager has revealed how much Moffi has grown in six years.

The 26-year-old joined Francisco Farioli's side on loan from OGC Nice, but didn't get the playing time he envisioned, playing just 21 minutes before the clash against Arouca.

Moffi came off the bench before tapping home from William Gomes' cross in the 98th minute, but the celebrations went wild at the Estadio Do Dragao.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Moffi's former coach weighs in on striker's Porto start

The Nigerian striker started his career in Europe with Buckswood Football Academy in East Sussex at the age of 17, but only six months later, he joined Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris.

A year later, Moffi joined another Lithuanian club, Riteriai, but his debut was delayed due to visa issues. However, that was where he met Edgaras Jankauskas.

He'd go on to score 20 goals in 29 league games for Riteriai, before going on to play in Belgium, France and now Portugal.

Speaking after the former FC Lorient man broke the deadlock against Arouca, Jankauskas recalled Moffi's early days in Lithuania.

“I was free, without obligations, and, as a result of my relationship with the president, he asked me to help with the advanced, passing teachings and sharing experiences. Moffi was there, just arrived. He was someone easy to guide, because he wanted to learn, “he said in quotes revealed by Desporto ao Minuto.

“I have in my head a player who scored a lot of goals, full of qualities. His right leg was not at the intended level, but he had a great left foot, alongside the speed, agility and physical power, but he was predictable, because he could not be efficient with another foot.

“He started to improvise on the right, and it improved a lot. Of course, our league won't define the player you're going to be; it's not going to determine your success, it's always questionable. But fortunately, Moffi has become a great example.

“He came from Africa, had no luck at a first club here, took the second chance and showed that he was far above the value of the championship.

“He arrived in Belgium and started to score goals, made himself a diamond, and, with that, also succeeded in France. I imagine FC Porto as an easier step for him.

“It's a more offensive team, of higher quality, with better players. Then, he will be better served; he is already good to open spaces, he is good at getting away in small spaces, and he runs a lot.

“He is a complete player to avenge in Portugal. I'm not well aware of all his progress, but I see a much better right foot, a confident and mature player,” the former Benfica forward concluded.

FC Porto are currently top of the Liga Portugal, four points above Ruben Amorim's former side Sporting Lisbon.