France government steps in as Nigeria’s Terem Moffi makes OGC Nice transfer decision

France’s Minister of Sports, Marina Ferrari, has formally met with Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi and his OGC Nice teammate Jérémie Boga after the violent confrontation that shook the club on Sunday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two players were among several individuals confronted and assaulted by angry supporters at the club’s training centre following Nice’s 3–1 defeat to Lorient, their sixth straight loss in all competitions.

Ferrari, who earlier released a strongly worded statement on social media, reiterated her condemnation in person, describing the attacks as “unacceptable” and insisting that violence “can never be justified” under any circumstances.

In a statement posted on her official X account, Ferrari said:

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable violence targeting the management and players of OGC Nice.

“I want to express my full support for them. Nothing can justify these acts, which target those who dedicate themselves to football every day. These serious incidents, caused by a few individuals, have nothing to do with being a fan. I will always defend those who bring our stadiums to life, never those who resort to violence and who must be punished for it.”

Also, speaking after her midday meeting on Tuesday, she emphasised that the government’s priority is ensuring the safety of footballers and eradicating extremist supporter behaviour.

According to local reports, as many as 400 supporters gathered to vent their frustration as the team returned from Lorient. Several players, including Terem Moffi, were subjected to spitting, punching, physical intimidation and racist insults. Sporting director Florian Maurice was also reportedly targeted.

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Terem Moffi seeks OGC Nice exit

The fallout from the incident has pushed Nice into a full-blown crisis. Both Moffi, 26, and Boga, 28, have been signed off sick: Moffi for the entire week and Boga for at least five days.

Reports from France also indicate that Moffi and Boga have informed those close to them that they no longer wish to play for the club.

Multiple French outlets, including Nice-Matin, report that the players were already shaken by recent episodes of racist abuse and now consider their relationship with the Nice fanbase irreparable.

Despite Ferrari meeting the pair, offering reassurances of state support and vowing action to prevent similar incidents, the players minds appeared to have been amade up: they intend to leave the club this winter.

The situation has also placed head coach Franck Haise’s future in doubt. The former Lens manager is said to be considering resignation amid the turmoil, while sporting director Maurice has decided to step back from his duties after being targeted during the confrontation.

Nice remain bottom of their Europa League group and have lost four consecutive Ligue 1 matches, but the team’s sporting struggles now appear overshadowed by internal fractures, supporter hostility and a growing sense of instability. As investigations continue, it may be that Moffi and Boga have played their final match for the Côte d’Azur club.