Saturday evening, 86th minute of the match between Nice and St Étienne, the crowd at the Ray stadium rises and cheers for the number 6 of the eaglets. Olivier Echouafni, emblematic captain of OGC Nice, exits and leaves the field for the last time in his career. The ovation is beautiful, giving way to the player’s tears. The Menton native ends his journey after 223 matches in the red and black colors. He will receive another tribute from the stadium after the final whistle. Finally, a last lap of honor amid applause, and the story ends for “Chouf.”
A Logical Draw
Previously, Nice and St Étienne each scored their goals. The eaglets opened the score as early as the 2nd minute thanks to Rémy. Well set up by Gace, he struck with his left foot to find Janot’s bottom corner. The greens responded after the hour mark on a defensive error by the locals. Emmanuel Rivière capitalized on the spaces left by Civelli and Ospina to slide the ball between the post and the Nice goalkeeper. A logical draw that places OGCN in the 15th position at the end of the 2009-2010 championship won by Marseille.
Festive Atmosphere at the Ray
The encounter was also marked by the festive atmosphere of the south stand of the Ray stadium. The chants of the Brigade Sud accompanied the players for more than 90 minutes. The stand paid vibrant tribute to Jimmy, a supporter who passed away this week. Earlier, the supporters had peacefully paraded through the streets of Nice to reach the Ray.
