My Father’s Approval Sealed It” – Terem Moffi Opens Up On Hamburg Move

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

Moffi, who recently completed his move to Hamburg, said he was surprised and excited when his father immediately recognised the significance of the Bundesliga club after he mentioned the offer to him.

According to the 27-year-old forward, his father’s excitement reinforced his belief that the move was an important step in his career.

Moffi’s journey to Hamburg has been remarkable, having played football in England, Lithuania, Belgium, France and Portugal before arriving in Germany.

Born in Calabar, Cross River State, on May 25, 1999, Moffi began his football development in England at Buckswood Football Academy. He later started his professional career in Lithuania with FK Kauno Žalgiris and FK Riteriai before moving to Belgium, where he joined KV Kortrijk in January 2020.

His performances in Belgium attracted the attention of French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient, who signed him later that year. He subsequently moved to OGC Nice in 2023 before spending the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Portuguese giants FC Porto.

Despite experiencing a difficult club campaign, Moffi regained confidence during his recent international appearances for Nigeria. Under Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, he captained the national team and contributed significantly during the Unity Cup and an international friendly against Poland.

Moffi provided two assists in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final before scoring in the final against Jamaica as the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 win.

He also found the net against Poland in Warsaw, further boosting his confidence ahead of his move to Germany.

Reports indicate that Hamburg reached an agreement with Nice for an initial €2 million fee, with a further €500,000 potentially payable in add-ons. Moffi subsequently completed his medical examinations and signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.

The Nigerian forward has been handed the number nine shirt and is expected to play a key role as Hamburg prepares for its return to the Bundesliga.

Club officials have praised Moffi’s physicality, determination, movement and ability to contribute defensively, describing him as a player capable of adding greater attacking quality and versatility to the squad.

Moffi, meanwhile, said his ambition is to score goals while also working for the team and helping maintain unity within the dressing room.

He admitted that joining Hamburg was an attractive opportunity because of the club’s history, passionate supporters and overall direction. He also revealed that his conversations with the coach helped convince him that the move was the right decision.

Reflecting on his father’s reaction, Moffi said the immediate recognition of Hamburg’s stature made him even happier to become part of the club’s history.

With his move now completed, the Nigerian striker will be hoping to revive his club career in Germany and establish himself as a key figure for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.