Elye Wahi: 'By signing at Nice, I was jumping into the wolf's mouth.'

In an interview with L'Équipe, Elye Wahi has spoken about his decision to join OGC Nice in January and his recent revival, following tough spells at Olympique de Marseille and then Eintracht Frankfurt.

A win-win loan

In January, Wahi was at a crossroads, as were Nice. His excellent form at formative club Montpellier HSC was not replicated following a big-money move to Lens (36 games, 12 goals). Wahi was given another chance by a Ligue 1 McDonald's giant, Olympique de Marseille. Once again, he struggled to deliver. 14 games, three goals and half a season later, and he was on the move again, this time abroad. His move to Germany then yielded just one goal in 25 games.

Then Nice came knocking. Wahi was more open to the idea of a January move to Le Gym than his family. "I was one of the only ones to fully believe in it. The people around me - my agent, my family - didn't really want me to come to Nice," he told L'Équipe. "But by signing for Nice in January, I was jumping into the wolf's mouth, but I was sure of my decision. I knew that I would have a role to play here." He has certainly played a role. In 16 games, he has scored seven goals, including a delightful Panenka against his former club, OM.

Wahi's ice cold penalty against Marseille! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/dYgLABC9Kk
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 26, 2026

Wahi adds that he has been inspired by some of the past players who have come to Nice and got their careers back on track. "I remember that Hatem Ben Arfa, Valere Germain, and Mario Balotelli all refound their momentum in Nice. It is what I am in the process of doing," said the former France youth international.

Wahi - a man on a mission

Nice will only be a stepping-stone for Wahi, as he confirmed. His loan from Eintracht Frankfurt did not include a buy option, and in his interview with L'Équipe, he confirmed that he would not remain at the Allianz Riviera beyond the end of the current campaign. But before he departs, there are missions that must be accomplished.

"I'm living in the moment. It is impossible to see Nice in Ligue 2 BKT and to see people lose their jobs," he said. At the time of his interview, Nice had their destiny in their own hands, which, following last weekend's defeat to AJ Auxerre (2-1), is no longer the case.

National team call-up for Elye Wahi! 🇨🇮🐘 pic.twitter.com/WNK05ZXZgt
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 18, 2026

Le Gym will now have to better Auxerre's result this weekend. Nice face Metz at home, with L'AJA travelling to face Lille. Fail to do so and Nice will have to face the relegation play-offs as they seek to maintain their Ligue 1 McDonald's status. There is also a chance of silverware, with a Coupe de France final against Lens coming up.

There is one further objective, and it is a more personal one. "[My time at Nice] has gone quickly. If it goes well, I can ensure safety (in Ligue 1 McDonald's) and obtain the Coupe de France with Nice, as well as a place in the World Cup," says Wahi. Having recently changed his international allegiance, he now represents the Ivory Coast, but before turning his focus to the World Cup, he is focused on completing his mission on the Côte d'Azur.

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