FC Porto manager Francisco Farioli has come to the defense of Terem Moffi after the Super Eagles striker recently faced some backlash from fans of the Liga Portugal giants during a Europa League clash against Nottingham Forest, Footynaija.com reports.
Moffi was entrusted with leading the line for Porto on Thursday night when Forest rocked up to the Estadio do Dragao for the first leg of their quarterfinal tie but the Nigeria international failed to impress and drew the ire of the club faithful.
Inside the opening minute, Moffi broke through one-on-one with Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, but contrived to strike his effort straight at the shot-stopper. Later in the first half, he squandered another big opportunity, failing to guide a free header past the goalkeeper.
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Although Porto controlled the early exchanges, they struggled to build on their advantage, with Moffi’s failure to take those gilt-edged chances proving costly as the game ended in a draw.
His afternoon ended on a sour note in the 60th minute when he was substituted for Deniz Gul, with sections of the home crowd making their frustration clear through whistles and jeers as he trudged off the pitch.
Addressing the situation ahead of Sunday’s Liga Portugal clash against Estoril Praia, Farioli acknowledged the frustrations of the fans but also stressed the need to quickly move on from that game and back the Super Eagles striker.
“We know that our fans are demanding, which is good,” the former OGC Nice boss told O Jogo.
In the match against Nottingham, there was a moment of some frustration, but he’s trying his best, working hard in recent months. He’s on the right track, he’s already scored important goals for us and more will come.
The frustration and emotion of the moment must remain in that moment; the Porto family must be united and undoubtedly support the team, showing that all the players are focused on what’s best for FC Porto.”
Moffi will be hoping for an opportunity to make amends in tomorrow’s clash against Estoril. The Nigeria striker has struggled to hit the ground running since moving to Portugal, with only one goal and assist each in seven league appearances.
