Moffi in pain after fan attack – Simon

File: Terem Moffi

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Super Eagles winger and Paris FC forward Moses Simon has expressed deep concern over the condition of Terem Moffi after the OGC Nice striker was violently attacked by angry supporters.

Moffi and his teammate Jérémie Boga were assaulted on Sunday night by sections of Nice supporters, who confronted the squad following their 3-1 defeat to Lorient. That result extended the club’s losing streak to six matches in all competitions and intensified the pressure surrounding the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned side.

Several French outlets detailed disturbing scenes in which Moffi and Boga were punched, kicked and spat on, with some of the blows said to be to their genitals. Racist insults were also directed at the Nigerian forward, compounding the severity of the incident.

Boga was reportedly targeted over ticket-related issues involving acquaintances from Marseille, while Moffi, who featured throughout the match, was accused by some ultras of “smiling” with former Lorient president Loïc Féry afterwards.

Moffi, who had been managing fitness concerns, found it difficult to reach safety and required support from teammates to enter the facility. Both players later filed formal complaints with the police.

Simon, who spoke to Moffi days after the incident, told RMC Sport that the OGC Nice forward remains shaken by the physical and emotional toll of the assault.

“I talked with him, he is touched, and in addition, he still has a bit of pain,” Simon disclosed, confirming that his compatriot has not yet recovered from the trauma.

“When something like that happens, it’s not good. For a big Ligue 1 club, it’s not good. That something like that could happen in a club of a top 5 European championship… It’s really a mess, so I really hope that the club and the Federation will do something.”

Medical examinations conducted the following day resulted in Moffi being placed on sick leave until Sunday due to “physical and psychological impact”. Boga received a certificate placing him on at least five days of medical leave.

OGC Nice released a strong statement condemning the violence, stating, “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.”

France’s players’ union, UNFP, also announced its outrage, 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 last night. The UNFP stands with its players. The physical and psychological integrity of those who make football is non-negotiable.”

Moffi, once a standout performer at Lorient before joining Nice, remains a central figure for the club. The police investigation is ongoing, with further repercussions expected as authorities piece together how a tense evening spiralled into violence.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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