Terem Moffi: Key reason OGC Nice welcomed back transfer-listed Super Eagles star

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has returned to OGC Nice for the start of preseason training after the end of his loan spell with Portuguese champions FC Porto, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international reported for training on Wednesday, July 8, alongside his teammates under new head coach Olivier Pantaloni, according to OuestFrance. Like every other player, Moffi is set to undergo routine medical tests before beginning preparations for the 2026-27 season.

His return comes after Porto decided not to activate the €8 million option to sign him permanently. Although the Nigerian celebrated winning the Liga Portugal title during his six-month stay in Portugal, his performances were not enough to convince the club to keep him.

Moffi managed just two goals in 15 appearances for Porto after joining on loan in January 2026. The temporary move reunited him with Francesco Farioli, the coach who previously worked with him at Nice. However, Porto eventually chose to strengthen other areas of their squad instead of completing a permanent transfer.

With Porto stepping away from the deal, Moffi has returned to the French Riviera, where his future remains uncertain despite being allowed to train with the first team.

Nice preparing for life without Moffi despite preseason return

According to reports from French newspaper L’Équipe, OGC Nice have no plans to isolate Moffi from the senior squad while they search for a buyer. The Nigerian forward will take part in preseason activities and friendly matches unless a transfer is completed.

Despite welcoming him back, Nice still consider Moffi one of the leading candidates to leave this summer. Club officials are continuing their efforts to reduce the team’s wage bill, and the striker’s salary is believed to be one of the reasons they are open to selling him if a suitable offer arrives.

His difficult relationship with sections of the supporters has also played a major role in the club’s decision.

The problems began in November 2025 after Nice suffered a 3-1 away defeat to Lorient. Following the match, around 400 angry supporters confronted the team bus. Moffi became the main target after he was seen laughing with Lorient’s president, a gesture that some fans wrongly interpreted as disrespectful.

The situation quickly turned ugly as the Nigerian striker was reportedly spat on, kicked and racially abused during the incident. The attack left him deeply shaken, forcing the club to place him on medical and psychological leave.

Feeling that he had not received enough protection, Moffi later lodged an official complaint with the league’s legal committee and made it clear he did not want to play for Nice again. That tense situation eventually led to his January loan move to Porto.

Although he is now back at the club, reports suggest there is still no realistic path for him to remain at Nice beyond this summer. Interest has already been linked with clubs including ES Troyes AC and FK Partizan as his representatives continue searching for a permanent destination.

Moffi will, in the meantime, train with Olivier Pantaloni’s squad as Nice prepare for the new campaign. The French side begin their preseason schedule against Nîmes Olympique on July 18 before facing Juventus on July 31 and Cagliari on August 8. Their 2026-27 Ligue 1 season is scheduled to begin at home against Lorient during the weekend of August 21-23.