Terem Moffi Reveals How Father’s Approval Sealed Hamburg Transfer

Nigerian striker Terem Moffi has revealed that his father’s reaction to Hamburg’s interest played an important role in his decision to join the German club.

Moffi’s move to Hamburg comes after a remarkable international spell with the Super Eagles, during which he contributed two assists against Zimbabwe, scored in Nigeria’s Unity Cup final victory over Jamaica and found the net against Poland in Warsaw.

The 27-year-old said he was surprised when he informed his father about Hamburg’s interest and discovered that his father immediately recognised the club and understood its significance.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Moffi described his father’s reaction as a positive surprise, noting that the immediate recognition of Hamburg’s stature made him even more excited about becoming part of the club’s history.

The striker, who was born in Calabar on May 25, 1999, began his football development in England before launching his professional career in Lithuania. He later moved to Belgium, France and Portugal before making Germany his latest destination.

Moffi started his professional career with FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Riteriai in Lithuania before joining KV Kortrijk in Belgium in January 2020. Later that year, he moved to French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient before securing a transfer to OGC Nice in 2023. He subsequently spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at FC Porto.

Across his club career, Moffi has recorded 88 goals and 13 assists in 228 competitive appearances. Since making his Nigeria debut in 2021, he has earned 23 international caps, scoring six goals and registering two assists.

His latest move followed a difficult 2025-26 campaign, during which opportunities were limited at Nice. He made only 10 Ligue 1 appearances and scored twice before his loan spell at Porto ended without a permanent transfer.

However, his fortunes changed during Nigeria’s international fixtures. Under Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, Moffi was handed the captain’s armband and responded with a series of impressive performances.

He provided two assists as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final before scoring in the final against Jamaica as the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory.

Moffi then continued his impressive run against Poland in Warsaw, scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in a 2-2 draw after VAR confirmed that the effort was onside. His performances during the international window helped restore confidence in his ability and attracted renewed attention from European clubs.

Hamburg subsequently reached an agreement with Nice for the striker, with the transfer reportedly involving an initial €2 million payment and a further €500,000 in potential add-ons.

Moffi completed his medical examinations, signed a contract running until 2029 and was handed the number nine shirt. He becomes one of Hamburg’s summer signings as the club prepares for another Bundesliga campaign.

Hamburg officials have expressed confidence in the Nigerian forward, highlighting his physical strength, determination, ability to attack space, presence inside the penalty area and willingness to contribute defensively.

Moffi, meanwhile, said scoring goals remains an important part of his role but stressed that he also enjoys working for the team and helping maintain unity within the squad.

The Nigerian forward also acknowledged Hamburg’s rich history and global reputation, saying the club’s identity, passionate supporters, location and overall sporting direction influenced his decision to join.

He further revealed that conversations with the coach helped convince him that Hamburg was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

As he prepares to make his mark at the Volksparkstadion, Moffi will hope to turn his impressive international revival into consistent club form and establish himself as a key figure in Hamburg’s attack.

For the Nigerian striker, the journey from Calabar through several European leagues to Germany has been filled with challenges and opportunities, but his father’s enthusiastic reaction to Hamburg’s interest remains one of the moments that helped shape his latest career decision.