Terem Moffi Considers Exit from Nice Following Fan Incident

Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi is reportedly contemplating a move away from OGC Nice after experiencing harassment and physical assault from the club’s supporters, according to Soccernet.ng.

Earlier this week, Moffi and teammate Jérémie Boga were subjected to an attack by disgruntled fans amid Nice’s ongoing six-match winless run. The players were reportedly assaulted and spat upon at the club’s training ground, forcing them to seek medical attention and subsequently receive time off to recover.

In response, OGC Nice issued a formal statement condemning the violent behavior of their supporters. Despite this, Moffi appears to be exploring options to leave the club.

According to Foot01, French sides Nantes and Paris FC have expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old striker.

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Both clubs are eager to strengthen their squads as they aim to secure their Ligue 1 status, and Moffi’s experience could be a valuable addition.

Having spent five years competing in France’s top flight, the Nigerian international brings considerable Ligue 1 experience to the table.

Assessing the Likelihood of Moffi’s Departure from Nice

At present, a transfer away from Nice seems uncertain. The clubs linked with Moffi, Nantes and Paris FC, are comparatively modest in stature.

Transfermarkt currently values Moffi at approximately €15 million, with nearly two years remaining on his contract. Nice is expected to demand a premium fee, which may be beyond the financial reach of Nantes and Paris FC.

Nonetheless, a loan arrangement could be a feasible alternative this summer, especially considering Moffi’s form has been inconsistent since his return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury earlier this year.

The eagerly awaited friendly clash between Egypt and Nigeria has been postponed to 16 December, according to Soccernet.ng.

This update was officially announced by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) late Friday, as reported by Ahram.

Khaled El-Darandaly, EFA’s Vice President, explained that the adjustment was necessary due to FIFA’s revised international player release guidelines, which impacted both teams’ final preparations ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Initially, the Pharaohs and the Super Eagles were scheduled to meet on 14 December as part of their AFCON 2025 buildup, with the tournament set to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January.

However, FIFA’s updated directive now permits clubs to retain African players until 15 December, meaning both teams would be without their full rosters on the original date.

This change is particularly significant for Egypt, who anticipate the arrival of key stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush only after the new release date. Nigeria faces a similar challenge, as most of coach Eric Chelle’s main squad members are based in European clubs.

Egypt’s Quest for AFCON Glory and Squad Preparations

Egypt, holders of seven African championship titles, are aiming to secure their first AFCON trophy since 2010. Drawn into Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, the Pharaohs have come close in recent editions, finishing as runners-up in 2017 and 2021 after losses to Cameroon and Senegal respectively.

Head coach Hossam Hassan recently unveiled a 28-man preliminary squad, with players convening in Cairo for the final training camp starting Wednesday. The team is focused on fine-tuning tactics and fitness ahead of the tournament kickoff.

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Nigeria’s Adjusted Preparations Amid Scheduling Challenges

FIFA’s revised player release policy has forced Nigeria into a significant reshuffle of their pre-AFCON plans. The Super Eagles were originally set to begin their training camp in Cairo on 10 December, followed by friendly matches and a swift transfer to Morocco. This itinerary has now been scrapped.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since devised a new training schedule, with the camp now set to commence on 14 December. This leaves coach Chelle with less than a week to prepare the squad before AFCON begins.

The friendly against Egypt will now take place on 16 December, but uncertainties remain regarding player availability and the venue. Hosting the match in Cairo is no longer viable, prompting both federations to consider Morocco as the likely location, aligning with their tournament base.

Injury Setbacks and Leadership Changes for Nigeria

Nigeria’s preparations have been further hampered by injuries to key players including Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Felix Agu. Additionally, captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, delivering a significant blow to the team’s defensive stability. Troost-Ekong was honored as the 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament and had been a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s backline.

Coach Chelle, who recently released a broad 55-man provisional roster, now faces the challenge of trimming the squad to 28 players within a condensed timeframe. Nigeria, placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, is eager to claim their fourth AFCON title, having previously won in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

Samuel Chukwueze’s Flourishing Spell at Fulham

Since joining Fulham on loan from AC Milan during the recent transfer window, Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has expressed immense satisfaction with his adaptation to life at Craven Cottage, according to Soccernet.ng.

Despite a slow start hampered by injuries and international commitments with the Super Eagles, the 26-year-old former FIFA U-17 World Cup champion has recently rediscovered his rhythm. In his last three appearances, Chukwueze has been directly involved in four goals, including an impressive brace against Premier League giants Manchester City.

Impactful Performances and Growing Confidence

Chukwueze, who previously made headlines with Villarreal, caught the spotlight again with his two-goal display that coincided with Erling Haaland’s milestone Premier League goal. The winger credits Fulham’s head coach Marco Silva for motivating him to elevate his game.

“I’m genuinely pleased with my current form and everything that comes with it,” Chukwueze shared in an interview on Fulham’s official website.

“The coach has been instrumental in pushing me to work harder and stay focused, regardless of how much time I get on the pitch.

“Every match is a fresh opportunity. Whether I provide assists or not, I must always be ready to give my all, whether I play ten minutes or twenty.”

The Unwavering Support of Fulham’s Fans

Chukwueze was visibly moved by the passionate support from Fulham’s supporters, especially during their narrow 5-4 defeat to Manchester City.

“The fans here are incredible. I feel their love deeply, and sometimes I think I love them even more,” he said.

“Even when we were trailing 5-1, they stayed loud and supportive until the final whistle. That kind of dedication inspires us to push harder.

“They deserve more victories and to see the club climb higher in the league standings.

“Their constant singing and encouragement make them some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever encountered. I truly appreciate them.”

Prospects of a Permanent Transfer to Fulham

Although Fulham’s loan agreement with AC Milan does not mandate a compulsory purchase, it includes an option to sign Chukwueze permanently for a reported fee of £24 million, as confirmed by the BBC.

Given his recent performances and the growing admiration from the Fulham faithful, the club appears inclined to consider making the deal permanent. However, several factors will influence this decision.

Chukwueze must maintain his impressive form, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 looming. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco, will see the winger away from club duties for potentially two months, depending on Nigeria’s progression.

Fulham’s manager Marco Silva has already voiced concerns about losing three key players, including Chukwueze, for an extended period due to AFCON commitments.

Ultimately, the decision to finalize a permanent transfer will hinge on Chukwueze’s ability to hit the ground running upon his return and sustain his impact through the remainder of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.