The OGC Nice have secured their place in Ligue 1 for another season after a thrilling 3-1 victory over AS Saint-Etienne in the decisive playoff return match at the Allianz Riviera on May 29. Three days after a lackluster 0-0 draw in the first leg, the Niçois roared back to life in a far more dynamic encounter.

The turning point came when young forward Kail Boudache, just 19 years old, struck the equalizer in the 81st minute. His goal arrived just two minutes after Zuriko Davitashvili had converted a penalty to level the scores. The floodgates then opened as Elye Wahi completed his brace in the final minutes of the game, sealing the win with goals in the 87th and 90+2nd minutes.

Nice, who finished the regular season in 16th position, will now compete in Ligue 1 for the 25th consecutive year, alongside Metz and Nantes who also secured their top-flight status. Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, faces another season in Ligue 2 following their relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.