Famous OGC Nice eagle mascot and trainer blasted by sprin...

What’s Happening

Real talk: OGC Nice mascot eagle Mefi and her trainer were hilariously drenched by a rogue sprinkler during a pre-match show before facing Roma.

Famous OGC Nice eagle mascot and trainer blasted by sprinkler OGC Nice’s famous eagle mascot Mefi and trainer drenched -match The mishap happened during a Europa League tie with AS Roma at the Allianz Riviera Nice went on to lose 2-1 in front of owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe Sep 29, 2025 We’re sure this wasn’t meant to happen. / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages There are few mascots in world football as instantly recognisable as Mefi – the eagle of OGC Nice, who mirrors the club’s crest and performs a dramatic flight around the Allianz Riviera before kick-off. (yes, really)

The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

The Details

As Mefi swooped down towards her trainer, who was preparing to hand her a treat, one of the pitch sprinklers suddenly roared to life at full blast. Both bird and trainer were instantly soaked, the jets firing with such force that the trainer was left scrambling to pull out his drenched in-ear headphones.

/ Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages For a split second he looked completely taken aback, before breaking into a smile and giving the crowd a reassuring thumbs-up. Remarkably, Mefi herself seemed unbothered soaking, continuing her routine with poise – though it’s safe to assume the eagle didn’t enjoy the mistimed shower.

Why This Matters

The mishap drew plenty of laughter, but for Franck Haise’s side the night went downhill from there. Nice slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Roma, watched on Jim Ratcliffe – whose INEOS group also owns Manchester United. Just as Mefi’s pre-match plan went awry, so too did Nice’s, leaving the home stans drenched in disappointment rather than celebration.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

The Bottom Line

Just as Mefi’s pre-match plan went awry, so too did Nice’s, leaving the home stans drenched in disappointment rather than celebration. Nice’s eagle, Mèfi, got blasted sprinkler pre-game 😭 pic.

What’s your take on this whole situation?