FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli has publicly supported Nigerian striker Terem Moffi ahead of their crucial UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg against Nottingham Forest.
The forward faced criticism after a quiet display in the first leg at the Estádio do Dragão, where he was substituted in the second half. Porto later secured a 3-1 league win over Estoril Praia, but Moffi started that game on the bench.
Moffi has found minutes hard to come by in recent matches. He has scored once in three Europa League appearances for Porto this season. He also struggled to make an impact in the first-leg draw against Forest, which ended 1-1. That performance led to his reduced role in the following league fixture.
Despite this dip, the Nigerian forward remains a key attacking option as Porto push for a semifinal spot.
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Farioli made it clear that he still trusts the striker’s effort and attitude during a pre-match press conference.
“Both Francisco Moura and Terem Moffi have been giving everything they have,” Farioli said.“
Terem Moffi came off a performance with some mistakes, and Francisco Moura went through a difficult period.
“But at this final stage it’s important to have everyone on board, and that initiative carried out by Jardel made me pleased, as he took both players to the fans. It says a lot about the environment we live in.”
Porto will travel to the City Ground for the decisive second leg, with a place in the Europa League semifinals on the line.
Moffi now has the chance to respond on the pitch. A strong performance could reshape his standing in the squad and boost Porto’s attacking threat at a critical moment in their European campaign.
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