Simon Zenke Urges Terem Moffi to Quit Nice Amid Fan Attack Concerns

Former Nigeria international Simon Zenke has advised Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi to leave French club OGC Nice during the January transfer window, citing concerns over the player’s safety, mindset, and career progression.

Moffi was reportedly the target of an attack by over 400 ultra fans following Nice’s 3–1 defeat to his former club Lorient in December, an incident that has raised serious concerns about his well-being and future at the club.

Speaking in an interview with Footy Africa, Zenke, who previously played in France, said Moffi’s personal and professional interests would be better served by moving on.

“Moffi has to leave the club for his personal and sporting interests, if you ask me,” Zenke said. “I have played in France, and for you to succeed, your mind and heart have to be with your club.”

Zenke questioned whether the striker could fully refocus after such an ordeal.

“I do not think he is in the right frame of mind or can even have the mindset to play for the club again after what happened to him. No one, not even a footballer, should be treated that way.”

He went further to condemn the alleged attack, describing it as criminal.

“It is a criminal offence, to be honest, because in football you cannot win all the time. Sometimes a club will go through a tough patch. Violence does not solve anything.”

Zenke also suggested a possible destination for the 25-year-old forward, urging him to consider a move to Auxerre if the opportunity materialises.

“I want him to move to Auxerre if the deal is concrete. They are a good side and I think they need a striker like Moffi who can offer them a lot.”

The former striker concluded by expressing his admiration for Moffi and his desire to see him back in action.

“The player has to play. He has missed a few games now and I hope to see him back on the pitch because I admire his game.”

Moffi’s future at Nice remains uncertain as the January window progresses, with growing calls for the Super Eagles forward to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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