Exclusive: Terem Moffi Insists It Is Only a “Matter of Time” Before Nice Get Back to Their Best

Terem Moffi has admitted that OGC Nice is still a work in progress while acknowledging their slow start to the 2025-26 season.

The Nigerian striker hopes the international break provides OGC Nice some respite from a disappointing start to the season as they find themselves occupying the 12th spot in the French Ligue 1 table after seven matches, with just two wins. 

Franck Haise's team who finished fourth in the Ligue 1 last season, are struggling to get results and they are yet to win a league match since their 1-0 triumph against Nantes on September 13.

The Eagles' recent 2-2 draw against AS Monaco piles more pressure on Haise's team, even though they ended the encounter with 10 men following Ali Al-Abdi's expulsion earlier in the first-half of the Cote d'Azur derby.

OGC Nice’s struggle does not end in the Ligue 1 as they are also without a win in the UEFA Europa League with back-to-back defeats against AS Roma and Fenerbahce, leaving them 31st in the 36-team league phase.

OGC NICE YET TO PERFECT TECHNIQUE

Moffi, who has played in every Ligue 1 match this season with two goals to his name, clarified that the team is working so hard to get to their best and perfect their technique.

“I think it's a slow start for myself and the team,” Moffi told SportsBoom.com. 

“We are trying to score in goals but we end up conceding which does not favour us."

“The whole team with the coach, we're working everyday to perfect our technique."

“It is just a matter of time as the season progresses, we'll improve too. For this season, we have to be collective."

“If we have a good season, then I have a good season.”

Haise’s Nice squad was dealt a devastating blow on Sunday after Canadian defender Moise Bambito suffered a fracture to his left tibia.

With Bambito set to go under the knife for treatment, Moffi shared some encouraging words for the combative centre-back.

“It is a big blow for the whole team. We want him to be healthy because he is a good guy. It is a blow when you just return to playing regularly and you are out again."

“As players we can’t control these things, but I wish him a quick recovery, we need him.” 

MOFFI OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NIGERIA'S QUALIFICATION

Moffi is one of the nine forwards summoned by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle for their must-win final World Cup qualifying games against Lesotho and Benin this weekend.

The 26-year-old emphasized the importance of the two games as Nigeria still dream of a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

He expressed delight on his recall to the Super Eagles team since June 2024 and he remains optimistic with leaders Benin and South Africa. 

“I'm proud to be back in the Super Eagles after a long period of omissions and other things. I'm happy to be back."

“We know how important this match is, both games, in fact."

“I think we'll do everything to try to win and see what happens with South Africa and Benin. I feel like there is a lot going on and we are not giving up, for sure.”

Nigeria will play Lesotho in South Africa on Friday and then host Benin for the final match on Tuesday before Moffi returns to France for OGC Nice's next Ligue 1 outing against Olympique Lyon on October 18.