From Champions League dreams at the season’s start to relegation fears now, Nice’s campaign has been nothing short of dramatic. A poor performance Friday against Saint-Étienne (0-0 first leg) could condemn the four-time French champions to Ligue 2 for the first time in 24 years. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this playoff return leg.

The Gym faces an unprecedented situation: the match will be played behind closed doors in the Allianz Riviera, following an extraordinary prefectural decree that banned supporters from stadium surroundings and training facilities. This extreme measure comes after the previous match against Metz ended in a pitch invasion and €600,000 in damages.

A leader’s message to Wahi ignites team spirit

The Tunisian defender’s absence has dominated Thursday’s headlines. Torn between club loyalty and national team demands—with three flight reservations arranged for the player since Saturday—the federation ultimately prevailed. Though Nice had suggested solutions to accommodate both obligations, fears that this could jeopardize Abdi’s World Cup participation (June 11-July 19) led to his eventual departure. The club later confirmed the player is «determined to return and support the team Friday night».

With Hicham Boudaoui also sidelined (concussion protocol), Elye Wahi’s presence becomes even more critical. The Ivorian striker, rested after Tuesday’s suspension, has diligently prepared for his final match with Nice, analyzing Saint-Étienne’s defensive patterns with his personal staff. A fan leader’s post-match message resonates: «Save us, we’re counting on you». Momentum may shift in Nice’s favor.