Terem Moffi Nears Return After Long Injury Layoff at Nice

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is edging closer to a return to competitive action for OGC Nice, following a long absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during pre-season.

The 25 year old has missed the entire season so far but has recently rejoined full training with his teammates. OGC Nice head coach Franck Haise confirmed Moffi’s progress and explained his absence from Wednesday’s friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion. Although he was expected to play, the coaching staff opted instead for a more intense training session, citing the youthfulness of the squad that featured in the match.

“Terem and Morgan Sanson were supposed to play on Wednesday,” Haise told France Bleu, “but the team was very young and it was our big session of the week, so we thought it was better to do a big 1.5-hour session.”

Despite not featuring in that friendly, Moffi impressed in training and is showing clear signs of improvement. Haise noted a rise in his sharpness and energy levels over the past ten days, describing his sequences and dynamism as greatly improved.

Since his transfer to Nice in January 2023, Moffi has made a solid impact, contributing 20 goals and five assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. While he may not be in the starting XI against Monaco this weekend, he is expected to be included in the matchday squad as he steps closer to full match fitness.

Editorial

We’ve missed seeing Terem Moffi in action, and it’s a relief to know his return is finally on the horizon. Injuries like the one he suffered an ACL tear can derail careers and test even the most resilient athletes. That’s why this moment matters. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about a fighter reclaiming his space.

Moffi’s absence has been deeply felt, not just by OGC Nice but by Nigerian football fans eager to see their stars perform consistently at the top level. His direct involvement in 25 goals since joining Nice speaks volumes about the quality he brings to any frontline. For him to be sidelined for seven months and still return with this level of motivation is admirable.

Coach Franck Haise’s handling of the situation deserves a nod too. There’s wisdom in caution. Throwing Moffi into a friendly against Brighton might have satisfied short-term curiosity, but it wouldn’t have helped the bigger goal ensuring he returns stronger and stays healthy. The plan was always bigger than one friendly.

This cautious optimism suits everyone involved. For Moffi, it’s a return to form. For Nice, it’s a reinforcement ahead of a crucial stretch. And for the Super Eagles? It’s the promise of another proven attacker coming back into the fold just as international competitions loom.

We need players like Moffi resilient, grounded, and relentless. His comeback isn’t just a storyline it’s a statement.

Did You Know?

1. Terem Moffi made his professional debut in Lithuania with FK Kauno Žalgiris in 2017.
2. He is the son of former Nigerian goalkeeper Leo Moffi, who played for Calabar Rovers.
3. Moffi once scored a hat-trick in Ligue 1 for Lorient against Bordeaux in May 2021.
4. He studied in England during his teenage years but was denied a football visa, prompting his move to Lithuania.
5. Moffi wears the No. 9 shirt at OGC Nice a number traditionally reserved for top strikers.