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Moses Simon provides painful update about Terem Moffi attacked by OGC Nice fans

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Super Eagles winger and Paris FC forward Moses Simon has expressed deep concern over the condition of Terem Moffi after the OGC Nice striker was violently attacked by angry supporters, Soccernet.ng reports.

Moffi and his teammate Jérémie Boga were assaulted on Sunday night by sections of Nice supporters, who confronted the squad following their 3–1 defeat to Lorient. That result extended the club’s losing streak to six matches in all competitions and intensified the pressure surrounding the Sir Jim Ratcliffe–owned side.

Nigeria and OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi. Photo Credit: Moffi/X

What initially appeared to be an organised meeting between players and fans quickly descended into chaos when the team bus arrived at Nice’s training centre. According to reports, roughly 400 supporters had gathered there, some allegedly intoxicated. Two ultras were permitted to board the bus to voice their frustrations, but the situation escalated sharply once players attempted to disembark.

Several French outlets detailed disturbing scenes in which Moffi and Boga ‘were punched, kicked and spat on, with some of the blows said to be to their genitals.’ Racist insults were also directed at the Nigerian forward, compounding the severity of the incident.

Nigeria and OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi.
Nigeria and OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi. Photo Credit: Moffi/X

Boga was reportedly targeted over ticket-related issues involving acquaintances from Marseille, while Moffi, who featured throughout the match, was accused by some ultras of ‘smiling’ with former Lorient president Loïc Féry afterwards.

Overwhelmed security struggled to contain the mob, and Boga had to be ushered to safety, reportedly with the help of goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf. Sporting director Florian Maurice was also assaulted in the melee.

Nigerian striker Terem Moffi
Terem Moffi OGC Nice FOOTBALL. Photo by IMAGO

Moffi, who had been managing fitness concerns, found it difficult to reach safety and required support from teammates to enter the facility. Both players later filed formal complaints with the police.

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What Moses Simon said about Terem Moffi

Moses Simon, who spoke to Moffi days after the incident, told RMC Sport that the OGC Nice forward remains shaken by the physical and emotional toll of the assault.

“I talked with him, he is touched and in addition he still has a bit of pain,” Simon disclosed, confirming that his compatriot has not yet recovered from the trauma.

Nigeria and Paris FC star Moses Simon
  Moses Simon of Paris FC. Copyright: xWilliamxCannarellaxIMAGO

The Paris FC winger stressed that such incidents should have no place in football.

“When something like that happens, it’s not good. For a big Ligue 1 club, it’s not good. That something like that could happen in a club of a top 5 European championship… It’s really a mess so I really hope that the club and the Federation will do something,” he added.

Medical examinations conducted the following day resulted in Moffi being placed on sick leave until Sunday due to ‘physical and psychological impact.’ Boga received a certificate placing him on at least five days of medical leave.

Nigeria and Paris FC forward Moses Simon
Nigeria and Paris FC forward Moses Simon. Photo by IMAGO

OGC Nice released a strong statement condemning the violence:

“However, the incidents that occurred during this gathering are unacceptable. Several club members were targeted. OGC Nice offers them its full support and condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms.”

France’s players’ union, UNFP, also announced its outrage, stating:

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable violence to which the players of OGC Nice, Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga, were subjected last night. The UNFP stands with its players. The physical and psychological integrity of those who make football is non-negotiable.”

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu
Super Eagles players Paul Onuachu and Terrim Moffi in Training at the 2023 African Cup Of Nation, Cote D Ivoire. Photo by IMAGO

Moffi, once a standout performer at Lorient before joining Nice, remains a central figure for the club. The police investigation is ongoing, with further repercussions expected as authorities piece together how a tense evening spiralled into violence.