This Thursday, OGC Nice hosts the Dutch club, Go Ahead Eagles, as part of the 7th day of this mini group stage in the Europa League. Last in the standings, the Aiglons are already out of the race for the playoffs. But the Gym must secure a win to put an end to nearly three years of suffering on the European stage. All the pre-match info for this encounter is available.
On paper, this OGC Nice vs. Go Ahead Eagles doesn’t promise anything of a “sexy” matchup. Already largely outclassed in this Europa League – the Gym can no longer mathematically aim for a playoff spot – the Aiglons have almost nothing left to play for in this final phase of the mini group. Claude Puel’s men need to end a terrible red and black streak on the European stage. For just under three years now, the Niçois have not won any European Cup matches. The 2024-2025 international campaign for the Aiglons was already disappointing, and that of 2025-26 flirts with shame. Thirty-sixths (out of 36 teams competing), Ali Abdi’s teammates have not scored any points. Reflecting the last matchday played – and a new defeat against Braga (0-1) – Nice has never been competitive in this competition. “It’s interesting to play this match. We can have uniform playing time for those who lack it. Try to give playing time to everyone. It will be important to grow the squad, with work adjustments to address the aspects still lacking,” explains Claude Puel, in a press conference.
To avoid a total washout, OGC Nice has two final attempts. Claude Puel’s players will first host the Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles (kick-off this Thursday at 9 PM at the Allianz Riviera), before traveling to Bulgaria next week to face Ludogorets. Two last matches to save the red and black pride and climb out from the bottom of the Europa League, as was the case last season. Back then, Morgan Sanson’s teammates finished a disappointing 35th and second to last in the competition. “We try to make up the deficit we may have in certain areas. I said it from the start, we have a quality group, but these are players who still need to take steps forward. There are things to do,” insists the red and black coach. The main priority emphasized by the Aiglons’ coach is to win this encounter.
“I must be more focused and improve as much as possible for myself and the team.” Present at the press conference, Kojo Peprah Oppong is quite candid about his dip in form. After promising beginnings, the Ghanaian has faced more challenging months, much like his team. “He has the desire to continue improving. He’s a young player, and we know that experience is important, especially in his position. He has interesting foundations. Playing matches, even in this difficult situation, is an opportunity for him. He learns in adversity, and it will be all the more beneficial for him moving forward,” says Claude Puel about him. The central defender could return to Nice’s starting eleven for this new European reception.
Wahi not qualified, Bard unavailable
Without any sporting stakes, how to approach this match? Rotate the squad or field a competitive eleven? The question is legitimate, but one thing is certain: Claude Puel remains, once more, deprived of a large part of his squad. Moïse Bombito, Dante, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Sofiane Diop, injured, will not be available for this match. Meanwhile, Antoine Mendy is suspended due to an accumulation of cards in the competition. The Nice defender, who just won the Africa Cup of Nations, would, in any case, not have been part of the red and black group.
The Aiglons’ coach will not be able to rely on Elye Wahi either. The only winter signing of OGC Nice is not eligible for this match. Finally, Melvin Bard is not fit enough for this European fixture. Suffering after the heavy defeat at Toulouse (1-5) last Saturday, the fullback has a groin issue. “There are five players who have been, or are sick. We don’t yet know if they will be fit. Melvin won’t be there. We’ll monitor his progress and hope to count on him this weekend (for the match against FC Nantes),” reveals Puel, without delving further into who might be affected. Once again, the Gym will approach a match significantly weakened.
Opposite, Go Ahead Eagles is still in contention for a qualification via the Europa League playoffs. The Dutch occupy the 28th spot in this mini group stage, just one point shy of the qualifying places. Thanks to last season’s victory in the Dutch Cup, Melvin Boel’s squad made a strong return to the European stage this year, after navigating several qualifying rounds. “It’s a team that tries to play the ball. They are competitive, with a game content that allows them to exist in the competition. They will be motivated, which is good for us,” analyzes Claude Puel. In the last matchday, Mats Deijl’s teammates lost against another French club, Olympique Lyonnais (1-2). Before that, the Eredivisie club had quite impressive victories against Panathinaikos (2-1), and especially Aston Villa (2-1).
Probable Line-ups:
Nice: Dupé – Clauss, Bah, Oppong, Abdi – Sanson (C), Everton, Ndombele – Louchet, Carlos (or Cho), Jansson
Go Ahead Eagles: De Busser – Deijl (C), Van Zwan, Kramer, James – Meulensteen, Linthorst – Adelgaard, Goudmijn, Suray – Smit.
