Super Eagles: French court orders police to question Terem Moffi again – real reason revealed

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is expected to leave French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice on a permanent transfer this summer after a relationship with both the club and its supporters collapsed beyond repair, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Celtic-linked Nigerian forward’s difficult situation began on the night of November 30, 2025, after Nice suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat away to FC Lorient. The loss extended the club’s poor run of form and sparked an angry reaction from supporters.

When the team bus returned to the club’s training centre at around 11:15 p.m., nearly 400 frustrated Ultra supporters were waiting outside. Smoke bombs were set off while hostile chants filled the area as players and club officials tried to leave the bus.

Although head coach Franck Haise spoke calmly with supporters and eventually received applause, the atmosphere quickly became dangerous for some players. Moffi and winger Jérémie Boga were reportedly singled out during the confrontation. Both players later told investigators they were punched, kicked, spat on and verbally abused as they attempted to reach their cars. Moffi, who is a target of Hull City, also reported that his hat was ripped off during the attack.

The anger directed at Moffi reportedly intensified because some supporters believed he had shown poor commitment during the season. They were also upset after images circulated of him smiling and laughing with Lorient president Loïc Féry following the defeat.

Medical examinations showed the seriousness of the incident. Boga was given five days of total incapacity for work, while Moffi was placed on seven days of medical leave. Both players filed complaints with police the following day, while OGC Nice also launched legal action against unidentified individuals involved in the violence.

French authorities opened an investigation into aggravated violence, participation in a group preparing violent acts, and failure to prevent offences against individuals.

Legal case continues as clubs monitor Moffi’s future

The criminal case remains active, with two members of Nice’s Ultra supporters’ groups standing trial over their alleged roles in the violence.

The two defendants, aged 32 and 42, appeared before the Nice Criminal Court on Wednesday, July 29, according to ICI. Both deny physically attacking Moffi or Boga, insisting they were trying to calm the crowd rather than encourage violence.

Investigators later discovered weapons, including switchblades, a telescopic baton and tear gas canisters, during searches connected to one of the defendants. The court also ordered additional questioning of Moffi, Boga, police officers and security personnel because witness statements differed on key moments during the incident.

Meanwhile, the attack effectively ended Moffi’s future at Nice. The emotional impact of the incident reportedly left the Nigerian deeply shaken. He sought to terminate his contract through legal channels before eventually securing a loan move to Portuguese giants FC Porto during the January 2026 transfer window.

However, his time in Portugal failed to revive his career. Playing under Francesco Farioli, Moffi managed only two goals in 15 appearances across all competitions. Porto ultimately decided not to activate the €8 million purchase option included in the agreement.

After returning to Nice for pre-season preparations in July 2026, Sporting Director Roger Ricort publicly confirmed the striker had no future at the club.

Ricort stated that Moffi was among the players the club wanted to move on and admitted the Nigerian would not play for Nice again, arguing that keeping him would be viewed as disrespectful by many supporters.

With his market value falling and Nice eager to remove his wages from the squad, several clubs are monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer deadline. Turkish giants Beşiktaş have emerged as one of the strongest candidates to sign the Super Eagles forward, while Marseille are also believed to have explored attacking reinforcements.

At 27, Moffi now faces one of the biggest decisions of his career. After a traumatic end to his time in France, the Nigerian striker will hope a fresh start elsewhere can help him rediscover the form that once made him one of Ligue 1’s most feared forwards.