Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has been placed on sick leave after he and teammate Jérémie Boga were violently attacked by sections of OGC Nice supporters on Sunday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
The development has prompted legal action, medical assessments, and condemnation from both the club and France’s players’ union.
The shocking scenes unfolded hours after Nice’s 3–1 loss to Lorient, a result that condemned the Côte d’Azur side to six straight defeats across all competitions and deepened the tension surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe–owned OGC Nice.
When the team bus returned to the club’s training centre, an estimated 400 supporters, some reportedly intoxicated, were waiting. Players had already been warned that anger was brewing following the defeat, but still opted to head back to the training facility.
Nice had taken an early lead in Lorient through an Arthur Avom own-goal, before Laurent Abergel equalised and Sambou Soumano struck twice to hand the home side their first victory in eight matches. That result pushed Nice further down the Ligue 1 table and triggered what would become one of the club’s darkest nights in recent memory.
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Terem Moffi assaulted, spat on and targeted with racist abuse
As the bus arrived, two ultras were allowed on board to express their frustrations. What began as a verbal confrontation turned into a violent escalation the moment players stepped off the bus.
According to EuroSport, both Boga and Moffi ‘were punched, kicked and spat on, with some of the blows said to be to their genitals.’ Racist insults were also hurled at the players.
Boga, who had come on as a substitute in the match, was reportedly targeted due to ticket-related issues involving acquaintances from Marseille. Moffi, who played the full 90 minutes, was accused by some fans of smiling with former Lorient president Loïc Féry after the match.
Security personnel were overwhelmed. Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf reportedly helped Boga escape to safety, while sporting director Florian Maurice was also assaulted amid the chaos. Moffi, who had issues with his fitness, struggled to get into the training ground and needed assistance from teammates.
Medical examinations followed on Monday. Moffi was signed off work until Sunday due to “physical and psychological impact,” while Boga received a certificate placing him on at least five days of medical leave.
Both players have filed police complaints.
OGC Nice and UNFP condemn violence as investigation begins
In a statement, OGC Nice said:
“On Sunday, upon their return from Lorient, the Eagles were welcomed in front of the Training and Development Centre by a large gathering.
“The club understands the frustration generated by the succession of poor performances and performances far removed from its values.
“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.”
The UNFP also issued a stern response, declaring:
“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.”
Moffi, who previously excelled at Lorient before his transfer to Nice, is one of the club’s key players.
The police investigation continues.