The people from Nice host Nîmes tonight at 7 p.m. A crucial match for the Azuréens to secure their place in the top tier.
Things are looking better for OGC Nice. After three consecutive defeats, Nice tasted victory again on Friday, at Rennes (2-1). This is good news as they begin an important week for the end of the season. Tonight, at 7 p.m., Adrian Ursea’s players host Nîmes (18th). Following their success in Brittany, Nice has moved up to 12th place.
However, they are only seven points ahead of Nîmes, who are currently in the relegation playoff spot in this Ligue 1 championship. A victory would allow Morgan Schneiderlin’s teammates to widen the gap from this dangerous zone. Conversely, a defeat could dampen OGCN’s spirits. All this comes just days before a derby against Monaco, next Monday, as part of the Coupe de France round of 32.
In the meantime, for the match against Nîmes, the team sees the return of many key players. Wing-backs Jordan Mvula Lotomba and Youcef Atal are fit to resume competition. “They of course continued to train over the weekend and took the opportunity to improve their physical condition,” admits Adrian Ursea. Injured at the ankle in Rennes, Hicham Boudaoui will also be present.
Jean-Clair Todibo wants to stay in Nice next season
Danish forward Kasper Dolberg is also part of the OGCN group. “His progress is positive, he continues to work well. But he will not be ready to play 90 minutes,” notes the Romanian coach. On the other hand, Danilo is absent for this match, as are Rony Lopes, and the long-term injured players, Dante and Jeff Reine-Adélaïde.
In the press conferences preceding this match, Adrian Ursea wished to caution his players against any complacency following the success in Brittany: “The victory at Rennes will only truly gain value with 3 more points because the hardest part in football is to follow up with another win. In the meantime, I am cautious, because Nîmes will present a completely different challenge.”
Also present at the press conference, central defender Jean-Clair Todibo shared his thoughts on his future. He hopes to remain in Nice next season. “I have said it from the beginning: I clearly see myself here for the long term, to be able to string together matches and gain experience. I feel fulfilled, on the field and within the squad. I have everyone’s confidence,” explains the player on loan from Barcelona.
The OGC Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Benitez, Cardinale, Boulhendi
Defenders: Bambu, Daniliuc, Lotomba, Nsoki, Atal, Kamara, Saliba, Todibo
Midfielders: Boudaoui, Schneiderlin, Thuram, Lees-Melou, Claude-Maurice
Forwards: Gouiri, Dolberg, Ndoye, Myziane, Sellouki
Absentees: Danilo (thigh), Rony Lopes (muscle injury), Dante (cruciate ligament), Reine-Adélaïde (cruciate ligament), Cretier, Pelmard, Pionnier, Trouillet, Wade, Seghir (coach’s decision).
