Nice’s eagle mascot Mefi soaked by rogue sprinkler before Roma defeat

OGC Nice’s famous eagle mascot Mefi and her trainer were left drenched by a mistimed sprinkler blast during the pre-match show ahead of the club’s Europa League tie with AS Roma at the Allianz Riviera, according to 90min.

Mefi, whose dramatic pre-kick-off flight around the stadium mirrors the club crest and has become one of the most recognisable rituals in European football, was swooping down towards her trainer for a routine treat hand-off when one of the pitch sprinklers suddenly burst into life. Both bird and handler were caught directly in the jets, with the trainer reportedly left fumbling to remove his soaked in-ear headphones.

Trainer takes the soaking in good spirits

Despite the shock of the sudden downpour, the trainer quickly composed himself, breaking into a smile and giving the watching crowd a thumbs-up. Mefi herself appeared largely unfazed by the mishap, continuing her display with her usual poise even after the unexpected drenching.

The moment, captured on camera and shared widely on social media, drew laughter among supporters inside the Allianz Riviera and further afield once footage circulated online. It briefly lightened the mood before what proved to be a difficult evening for the home side.

Nice fall to defeat in front of Ratcliffe

Franck Haise’s Nice ultimately went on to lose 2-1 to Roma on the night, a result that will disappoint the home supporters far more than the sprinkler incident amused them. The match was watched by club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group also holds a significant stake in Manchester United.

Ratcliffe’s dual interest in both Nice and Manchester United means the French club’s European fortunes continue to attract attention from British football followers, even in matches that do not directly involve Premier League opposition. For Nice, the defeat leaves work to do in the Europa League as the competition progresses.

The sprinkler blunder, however light-hearted, served as a reminder that even the most carefully choreographed matchday traditions can go awry in an instant, much like Nice’s hopes of a positive result on the night.