Ligue 1 transfers: Nice prepared for Terem Moffi exit – two key reasons behind decision

Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi could be on his way out of Ligue 1 side OGC Nice this summer, following the club’s transfer stance, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker’s future has remained uncertain since the end of his loan spell at Portuguese champions FC Porto last season. He joined the club during the winter transfer window but failed to secure a permanent move, leading to his return to Nice ahead of the new campaign.

Moffi’s situation at Nice became complicated after an incident in late 2025, when he and some of his teammates were assaulted by sections of the club’s supporters following a league defeat. 

The incident involved both Moffi and Ivorian forward Jérémie Boga, and both players were subsequently granted leave after indicating they would not play for the club again.

Terem Moffi of Porto and Jair Cunha of Nottingham Forest. Copyright: Imago

Although Moffi spent the second half of the season on loan at Porto, the Portuguese side chose not to make the move permanent. 

As a result, he has returned to Nice, although reports have surfaced that the Ligue 1 club are not planning to reintegrate him into the squad and are instead prepared to sanction his departure this summer.

Broken relationship with Nice’s fans 

One of the major reasons behind Nice’s decision is the damaged relationship between Moffi and sections of the club’s supporters.

Following the incident last year, Moffi was placed on leave and has not featured for the club since. He was targeted by a section of the club’s ultras, who confronted and attacked him and some of his teammates after a league defeat.

Terem Moffi. Photo by IMAGO

Given the severity of the situation, it appears that the relationship between the Super Eagles forward and the supporters has broken down beyond repair. This strained atmosphere would create a difficult and uncomfortable environment for Moffi to return to, which makes a reunion very unlikely.

Ligue 1 side planning summer overhaul

Another major factor is Nice’s intention to rebuild after a difficult Ligue 1 campaign last season.

The club endured a poor run of results for much of the season and only narrowly avoided relegation after defeating Saint-Étienne in the promotion/relegation playoff final. Although they reached a domestic cup final, it did little to mask what was largely a disappointing campaign.

Nice will be determined to avoid a repeat next season and are expected to enter the transfer market in search of reinforcements to strengthen the squad.

As part of this rebuilding process, the club are willing to offload players who are either unwilling to remain or no longer fit into their plans, making Moffi a prime candidate for departure.

Additionally, any transfer fee received from his sale would provide valuable funds to support their recruitment drive and improve the squad ahead of the new season.

Terem Moffi in action. Copyright: xGrzegorzxWajdax/xSOPAxImagesxImago

Moffi is valued at around €8 million, according to Transfermarkt, and a deal could be completed within that range if a suitable offer arrives.

With all parties seemingly open to a transfer, the Nigerian forward could be set to leave Nice this summer as he looks to move into the next phase of his career.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.