Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has been placed on medical leave after he and OGC Nice winger Jérémie Boga were violently attacked by a group of angry supporters on Sunday night.
The confrontation occurred after Nice’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient, a result that extended the club’s losing streak to six matches across all competitions and heightened tensions around the Sir Jim Ratcliffe owned side.
Attack erupts after team bus returns to training ground
When the team bus arrived at the club’s training centre, it was met by roughly 400 furious supporters, some reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
Players had been warned about the escalating anger but proceeded to return to the facility.
Two ultras were allowed on the bus to voice their frustrations. The situation escalated the moment the players began to disembark.
According to EuroSport, both Moffi and Boga “were punched, kicked and spat on, with some of the blows said to be to their genitals.” The report adds that racist insults were also directed at them.
Boga was reportedly targeted over ticket issues involving acquaintances from Marseille, while Moffi was accused by some supporters of smiling with former Lorient president Loïc Féry after the match.
Security staff were unable to control the crowd. Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf helped Boga flee to safety, while sporting director Florian Maurice was also assaulted.
Moffi, already struggling physically, needed assistance from teammates to reach the building.
Players placed on sick leave, police called In
Medical assessments were carried out on Monday. Moffi was signed off duty until Sunday due to both physical and psychological trauma, while Boga was issued at least five days of medical leave.
Both players have filed police complaints, and authorities have opened an investigation into the attack.
OGC Nice, UNFP issue strong condemnations
Nice released a firm statement describing the incident as unacceptable despite acknowledging fans’ frustrations over recent poor results.
“However, the incidents that occurred during this gathering are unacceptable… OGC Nice offers them its full support and condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms,” the club said.
The French players’ union, UNFP, also condemned the violence, 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… The physical and psychological integrity of those who make football is non-negotiable.”
Moffi remains key to Nice despite turmoil
Moffi, previously a standout performer at Lorient before joining Nice, remains one of the club’s most important players.
His absence adds further strain to a squad already grappling with poor form, internal unrest and now a full-scale police inquiry.