The end of the year is approaching, and it’s time to take stock. We begin this series with the women of OGC Nice handball. Â
After a previous season marked by inconsistent results, the players of OGC Nice handball can boast a rather flattering record for the whole of 2025: 18 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws. Despite dashed hopes at the end of last season, ending in a 6th place finish that was both positive and frustrating, the handball players led by Sébastien Mizoule have confirmed a remarkable progression. This success is undoubtedly linked to the arrival in the group of the new captain, Marine Dupuis, coupled with that of Marie-Hélène Sajka. The two players delivered an exceptional first season. Respectively the 3rd and 4th top scorers of the championship with 157 and 156 goals, the two French internationals carried their teammates to the top, even hoping to finish in the top 4 a few games before the end. Eventually, small mistakes, especially against Plan de Cuques, Toulon, and Dijon would thwart the European ambitions of the Aiglonnes.
2025, the year of European qualification?
With a player-for-player recruitment strategy, the staff of OGC Nice handball has played the continuity card. While the leaders of the previous season remained faithful to their positions, the Maralpines welcomed two significant players: Cecilia Errin and Hanna Ahlen. Both players were contending for starting positions. Indeed, that’s what the goalkeeper who arrived from Nantes, Cecilia Errin, quickly established. Impressive in goal, she is one of the contenders for the French national team. Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the championship, her rotation with the experienced Marija Colic has been working wonders since the start of the season. And when it comes to experience, the return of Ehsan Abdelmalek after a long period of struggle brings more depth to a bench often burdened by injuries.
As a result, OGC Nice handball had a fantastic start to the championship with six victories in their first six games across all competitions. Although the steps remain a little high when facing the two giants, Brest and Metz, OGC Nice handball is now positioning itself as a serious candidate for the podium. With 21 points accumulated in nine matches, the girls of Sébastien Mizoule are currently third, tied on points with Plan-de-Cuques. All hopes are therefore allowed in 2026 to secure a qualifying spot for the European Cup and thus bring more income to the club. Because to grow and hope to keep its best players, the club will need more resources to continue its ascent. This is certainly why Marie Hélène Sajka will leave the Côte d’Azur at the end of the season to join the Romanian club Valcea. A significant loss for the group that will have to be compensated at the dawn of the next season.
In the meantime, we will find the players of OGC Nice handball back in action on Sunday, January 4, 2026, for the resumption of the Ligue Butagaz Energie. The Azuréennes will head to Toulon territory before continuing with matches at the beginning of the year.
