In a dramatic final act at the Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice clinched their Ligue 1 survival against Saint-Étienne, with two standout performers—Elye Wahi and Kaïl Boudache—writing their names into the history books.

The 4-1 aggregate victory, following a goalless first leg, was sealed in style on Friday evening, as Wahi delivered a masterclass in the 87th minute, slotting home to spark wild celebrations. Moments later, he completed his brace with a composed finish in stoppage time (90+2′), ensuring the Côte d’Azur club’s place in next season’s top flight.

With the stadium eerily empty, Wahi was lifted into the air by manager Claude Puel, tears streaming down his face as he addressed the cameras. “Scoring at home like this, without our fans, it’s incredible,” he told Ligue 1+. “I’m incredibly proud of myself and of the entire team.”

For Wahi, this six-month stint at Nice was nothing short of transformative. The Ivorian international arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt with a reputation for inconsistency, but left as the Côte d’Azur’s talisman. His nine goals across all competitions breathed new life into an attack that had struggled to find its rhythm.

Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Wahi’s fiery red braids became a symbol of his resurgence—a visual testament to his revitalized form. As he prepares to join Ivory Coast for the World Cup, his time in Nice will be remembered as a turning point in his career, one that silenced critics and redefined his future.

Just as pivotal was the performance of Kaïl Boudache, the 19-year-old forward who defied expectations to become a key figure in Nice’s survival bid.

Rejected by the club last summer and overlooked in December, Boudache’s persistence paid off when he was handed his chance in January. Under the guidance of Puel and assistant Julien Sablé, he seized the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his blistering pace and lethal finishing. His 81st-minute strike, a clinical conversion that put Nice ahead 2-1, was a defining moment—not just for the match, but for his future.

Despite his heroics, Boudache will leave Nice to join Olympique Lyonnais next week, signing a three-year contract with the Rhône-based club. His departure marks the end of a rollercoaster journey in Nice, one that began with uncertainty but culminated in unforgettable memories.

Legends forged in adversity

For Nice, this night at the Allianz Riviera will be etched in the club’s annals—a victory secured in the face of immense pressure, with two players rising to the occasion when it mattered most. Wahi and Boudache may have taken different paths after this match, but their legacies at Nice are now indelibly linked to the club’s escape from relegation.