In show of solidarity and team's oneness, OGC Nice opted for a meaningful gesture just one week after the tense aftermath of their 3–1 defeat in Lorient, a match in which several players were loudly confronted by supporters, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The squad chose to stand publicly with the two teammates most affected by the incident. Terem Moffi and Jeremie Boga as they have both been on sick leave since the clash, still dealing with the emotional fallout of the confrontation.
Although neither player was on the pitch for Sunday’s match against Angers, their presence will be felt in a symbolic way.
The Nice players have decided to wear their names on their jerseys as a show of unity and support. Each player will keep his usual squad number, but the name printed above it will be either Boga or Moffi.
The gesture also serves as a response to the boos that echoed before kickoff in Lorient, underscoring the squad’s intention to protect and stand with their own in a moment of vulnerability.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye