Elye Wahi, concluding his loan spell, and Kaïl Boudache, bound for Lyon, proved instrumental in Nice’s successful bid to remain in Ligue 1. Their decisive contributions came on Friday evening as Nice triumphed over Saint-Étienne, a Ligue 2 playoff contender, with a commanding 4-1 victory after a goalless first leg.

A fervent embrace with coach Claude Puel, who was lifted joyfully as a child, perfectly encapsulated the moment. Elye Wahi, mirroring his coach’s elation, erupted in celebration after netting Nice’s third goal in the 87th minute. He then added a fourth, a truly exquisite strike in the 90th+2 minute, cementing the club’s Ligue 1 status against Saint-Étienne (a 4-1 aggregate victory after a 0-0 first leg). Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled in his eyes as he spoke to the broadcaster. “Achieving such a result at home, even without our supporters, is truly extraordinary,” he declared. “I am incredibly proud of myself, and immensely proud of the entire team.”

Despite the absence of a crowd, this intense Nice evening is destined to be etched into the Gym’s history. Wahi, in particular, leaves an indelible mark, his successful loan spell proving to be the cornerstone of this challenging Ligue 1 survival campaign. He notched 9 goals across all competitions, single-handedly breathing new life into the Côte d’Azur attack. Personally, this six-month chapter offered him a vital opportunity to regain his form, as vibrant and striking as the red braids he sported for this final fixture.

During his impactful tenure at Nice, Wahi earned his call-up as an Ivorian international and is now preparing to join his national squad for the upcoming World Cup. He will return to Frankfurt with a significantly enhanced reputation, having definitively shed his previous image as a nonchalant player. His commitment and invigorating presence were evident to the entire Nice locker room throughout his stay.

Boudache, the determined talent

On Friday evening, the spotlight at Allianz Riviera was also shared by another forward in a unique situation: the young, 19-year-old Kaïl Boudache. Not initially part of the Gym’s strategy last summer, having undergone a trial at Braga, nor in December when he resisted overtures from Dunkerque (Ligue 2), Boudache remained steadfast in his desire to play for his boyhood club. This dynamic Aiglon also experienced a truly memorable start to 2026.

He seized the chance presented by the coaching duo Claude Puel and Julien Sablé to make his mark in January. Boudache showcased his explosive pace and raw speed, qualities he famously utilized to pounce on an attacking ball and convert it into the crucial 2-1 goal in the 81st minute. This pivotal moment may well be remembered as a parting gift to Nice. Following extensive deliberation and uncertainty surrounding Nice’s future plans, he ultimately opted to accept an offer from Lyon, where he is set to sign his first professional contract, a three-year deal, this coming Monday.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst