This Saturday, OGC Nice hosts Racing Club de Strasbourg as part of the 19th day of Ligue 1. This league day marks the grand debut of Claude Puel since his return to the Gym’s bench. The Aiglons will also be able to count on their first winter signing, Elye Wahi. Discover all the pre-match information here.
OGC Nice begins its mission with a single ambition: securing the Gym’s survival in Ligue 1 as quickly as possible. For several months, the Aiglons have been experiencing a crisis on all levels. The teammates of Hicham Boudaoui must regain confidence and serenity, having suffered six consecutive losses in the league. Nice’s last victory in L1 was more than two months ago. At that time, the Niçois triumphed over LOSC (2-0) at Allianz Riviera. Since then, the Azurean club has been trapped in a negative spiral, dangerously slipping down the rankings. The Niçois currently occupy a disappointing 13th place, with only a small cushion of five points’ lead over the current relegation play-off team, AJ Auxerre.
This Nice – Strasbourg is the first match of 2025 for the red and black side but also marks the season debut for Claude Puel on the OGC Nice bench. Having taken over from Franck Haise on short notice, he begins his second stint with the Gym, having already been at the club from 2012 to 2016. At that time, the 64-year-old manager helped lead Nice back to European competitions. Since then, the French tactician has taken on other challenges, with varying degrees of success. His last official match was more than five years ago.
With Elye Wahi
This is the big news of the week for the Azureans! This Thursday, OGC Nice announced the arrival of Elye Wahi on loan from Frankfurt. Struggling with the German team, the striker will try to revive his lukewarm career on the French Riviera. Securing the signature of a new forward was one of the priorities of the red and black transfer window. Initially targeted by Fabrice Bocquet and Franck Haise, the former MHSC player was ultimately won over by Claude Puel‘s pitch.
The last uncertainties regarding Puel’s method are tactical. Although, in principle, the new Gym coach is expected to move away from a three-man defense—which was much favored by his predecessor—to a four-man setup. One thing is certain, Claude Puel will be without Moïse Bombito, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, and Mohamed Abdelmonem, who are injured. On their part, Yehvann Diouf, Hicham Boudaoui, Antoine Mendy, and Ali Abdi are still held up by the CAN. Lastly, Dante‘s status remains uncertain. Absent since the end of October, except for an appearance against Porto (0-2) in the Europa League, the Brazilian aimed for a return to the field in 2026. This might take a little longer than expected.
Opposite, RCSA is in the 7th place in Ligue 1 and currently has six more points than Nice before this encounter. An acknowledged contender for European spots, Strasbourg is experiencing the season like a roller coaster. The Alsatians—capable of the best and the worst—are known for their inconsistency in the league. In L1, Strasbourgians ended 2025 on a bad note, with three defeats and one draw in their last four outings in Hexagon. Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior will have to manage without his captain, Emanuel Emegha, who is injured.
Probable lineups:
Nice: Dupé – Clauss, Bah, Oppong, Bard – Sanson, Vanhoutte, Diop – Cho, Wahi, Jansson
Strasbourg: Penders – Doukouré, Omobamidele, Chilwell – Ouattara, Barco, El Mourabet, Moreira – Godo, Panichelli, Enciso.
