Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi turned out to be at the centre of a growing storm at OGC Nice, with the Nigerian forward now supposedly communicating to the club his desire to leave following a shocking fan-led ambush that has plunged the Ligue 1 side into crisis.
For former Nigeria international and ex-Ligue 1 forward Simon Zenke, the situation is not only unacceptable – it is unforgivable.
“I am really surprised that something of this nature happened to Terem (Moffi). It is unheard of, and I totally condemn it,” Zenke, who played for Strasbourg exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“As a professional footballer, you are going to go through good times and bad times in your career, and I believe whatever is happening at Nice does not warrant attacking a player. Not even a player, just anyone. We do not have a place for violence in our sport.”
Zenke, who experienced his own challenges with fans during his time in Ligue 1, emphasized that there are boundaries that must never be crossed:
“Football is an emotional game. During my time with Strasbourg, I had my own dealings with the fans, but it was out of mutual respect. There are lines you do not cross. Attacking a man for doing his job is bad, very bad.”
The former Samsunspor forward stressed that while fans have every right to express dissatisfaction with results, physical violence can never be justified:
“I understand if fans are unhappy about the results, and they have the right to do so, but attacking a player? That is absolute nonsense, and we must condemn it.”
Zenke expressed hope that those responsible for the assault would face the full force of the law, adding that the incident has left him deeply pained as a fellow Nigerian:
“I hope those responsible are found and dealt with according to the law. I really do hope so. Seeing a fellow Nigerian go through this pains me, to be honest.”
With the January transfer window now open, Zenke believes Moffi’s only option is to secure a move away from the French Riviera.
“For me, if you ask me, I think Terem should find another club. I do not think he can do his best for the club in his current state of mind. It is very sad and unfortunate,” he stated.
French minister steps in as Terem Moffi considers future at crisis-hit OGC Nice
“Luckily, the January window is here. I hope he gets a move away from the club. The environment at Nice will be too toxic, and I do not think he can function properly there.”
According to reports, Moffi and his teammate Jérémie Boga were hit, kicked, and spat at in an unprovoked assault that has sent shockwaves through French football. Both players have since formally requested to leave the club and have been placed on sick leave as they recover from the traumatic ordeal.
Moffi’s sick leave will last until Sunday, ruling him out of the game against SCO Angers, while Boga has been granted five days off. The severity of the incident has prompted both players to file legal cases, with the Ligue de Football Professionnel and the Ligue 1 players’ union condemning the violence and acting as civil parties in the proceedings.
While a small section of Nice’s fanbase were responsible for the attack, many supporters have distanced themselves from the troublesome group, stressing that their actions do not represent the club as a whole. However, for Moffi, the damage may already be irreparable, and he now wants to seek a transfer away from the club.
As Moffi prepares to join the Super Eagles camp for the Africa Cup of Nations, the lingering trauma of the attack will undoubtedly weigh heavily on his mind.
Whether he returns to Nice after the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – his relationship with the club has been soured.
