Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi has received full backing from his OGC Nice teammates after the club’s players released a statement on Wednesday evening, condemning the violent attack they suffered from a section of supporters following last weekend’s 3–1 defeat to Lorient.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the squad returned to the training centre after their sixth straight loss in all competitions. Around 400 angry supporters confronted the players, with some described as intoxicated and aggressive. Moffi and Jérémie Boga were reportedly spat on, punched, and kicked, while sporting director Florian Maurice was also assaulted in the chaos.
The Nigerian international was later placed on sick leave until Sunday after medical examination, while Jérémie Boga was also said to be dealing with physical and psychological aftereffects.
In their official statement released on the club’s website, the players insisted that the severity of the incident had been downplayed by outside voices who were not present.
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“Following the serious incidents that occurred on the return from the match against Lorient, the players of OGC Nice wish to set the record straight and denounce the attempts to minimize or distort the facts by certain people and organizations who did not witness the scene and have no reliable evidence or images of the events,” the statement read.
“Contrary to what has been claimed, several of our players and managers were direct victims of physical (multiple spitting and blows) and verbal abuse. Florian Maurice, Terem Moffi, Jérémie Boga, and Jonathan Clauss, in particular, were targeted in unacceptable conditions. Two of them still suffer from physical and psychological aftereffects, preventing them from returning to competition with peace of mind.”
The players criticised the lack of police action despite the menacing behaviour of those involved: “The presence of a large number of hooded individuals, clearly identified as prohibited in public spaces according to current legislation, was noted. Despite this, the police did not disperse them or intervene in a manner commensurate with the seriousness of the situation.”
“The OGC Nice players strongly condemn the shortcomings observed in the organization and management of the security arrangements. Given the context, the number of supporters present, and their evident aggression, the measures implemented were woefully inadequate to guarantee the safety of the players, staff, and all those involved in the match.”
Reaffirming their commitment to transparency and accountability, the squad called for a full inquiry: “The players of OGC Nice reiterate their total commitment to truth, respect, and the protection of the integrity of the players and staff. We call for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable so that such events never happen again.”
They also expressed disappointment at the lack of support received in the aftermath: “The players also regret the lack of consideration given to the seriousness of the situation, as well as the lack of moral support provided, both individually and publicly, to injured players.”
Concluding their statement, the squad rallied around those most affected, including Moffi, who remains sidelined: “The entire locker room would like to offer its full support to Jérémie, Terem, Jonathan and Florian Maurice, who have been severely affected by these events, and remind them that the whole team is united behind them in this ordeal.”
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