This Wednesday evening, OGC Nice officially presented its squad during an event at Villa Masséna. The club’s subscribers and partners were invited to the celebration.
Several hundred supporters responded to the invitation. This Wednesday late afternoon, the fans of the “Aiglons” gathered at [Villa Masséna](https://www.nicepremium.fr/actualite/le-musee-massena-met-a-lhonneur-le-roi-charles-iii-a-lheure-de-son-couronnement/) for the official presentation of [OGC Nice](https://www.nicepremium.fr/ogcn-football/ogc-nice-lille-un-match-ouvert-pour-le-coach-des-aiglons-francesco-farioli/)’s professional team. The evening was hosted by Fabian Hill, the club’s Social Media Manager, and Constantin Djivas, the usual commentator for the team’s matches.
While waiting for the players, a blind test took place. The principle was simple: find the right supporters’ chant from the tune of a song. The lucky winners left with various club-colored gifts: a scarf, bob hat, cap, and even the official jerseys of the two offseason recruits, Morgan Sanson and Jéremie Boga. Upon the players’ arrival, a minute of silence was observed at the war memorial, in tribute to the 86 victims of the Nice attack on July 14, 2016.
*Nice supporters responded to the club’s invitation (photo credit: Guillaume Milla)*
“Whatever happens, we must be in Europe at the end of the season”
Then, the staff members and players took the central stage one by one, to the applause of the crowd. Only one absence was noted: that of Kasper Schmeichel, [more than ever on his way out](https://www.nicepremium.fr/ogcn-football/mercato-kasper-schmeichel-est-en-colere/). “Whatever happens, we must be in Europe at the end of the season,” declared Jean-Pierre Rivère. The president of the “Aiglons” continued: “I wanted to thank you, the supporters. The club is growing, moving forward, and structuring itself. We really need your support.”
Francesco Farioli also thanked the supporters. After a speech in his native language, the coach let himself say a few words in French. “Thank you to the supporters and Issa Nissa,” said the new coach of the team with a slight accent.
*The entire staff posed with the supporters for a group photo (photo credit: Guillaume Milla)*
Autograph session and selfies with players to end the evening
Finally, it was [Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice](https://www.nicepremium.fr/actualite/nombre-insuffisants-dinternes-formes-a-nice-christian-estrosi-interpelle-le-nouveau-ministre-de-la-sante/), who was able to address the crowd. The mayor was accompanied by several of his deputies, such as Anthony Borré, Greg Monetti, and José Cobos, the iconic former captain of OGC Nice. Christian Estrosi took the opportunity to greet the crowd, the entire staff, Fabrice Bouquet, Florian Ghisolfi, and also captain Dante. “If there was a Niçois passport, he would deserve it the most,” joked the mayor of Nice. He then continued: “I am sure of your success, that you will show us the fruits of your talents.”
The supporters were then able to enjoy a small moment to take selfies or ask for autographs from the players. All with smiles and in good spirits.
