OGC Nice face Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1 playoff without suspended Wahi
The French club prepares for the first leg of their relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne on 26 May 2026, with striker Elye Wahi ruled out due to suspension.
OGC Nice are set to contest the first leg of their Ligue 1 relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne on 26 May 2026, a fixture that will proceed without the services of their key striker, Elye Wahi. The forward is suspended for the match after accumulating a yellow card during the recent 0-0 draw against FC Metz.
In Wahi’s absence, Mohamed-Ali Cho is expected to lead the attack. Morgan Sanson is anticipated to start on the right side of the offensive line, reshaping the team’s tactical approach for this high-stakes encounter. The predicted starting lineup, as reported by L’Équipe, includes Yehvann Diouf in goal and a defensive unit comprising Kojo Peprah Oppong, Juma Bah, and Antoine Mendy.
The midfield is projected to feature Sofiane Diop, Djibril Coulibaly, Hicham Boudaoui, and Jonathan Clauss, with Melvin Bard also listed in the suggested formation. While Wahi is expected to be available for the return leg on Friday, the administrative status of that second fixture remains unclear.
Complicating matters for the club is the fact that the playoff match does not fall within the FIFA international calendar. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has failed to secure an exemption for the game, a situation comparable to the administrative challenges faced during the UEFA Champions League final.
This lack of exemption has raised doubts regarding player retention for the second leg. The uncertainty surrounding the fixture’s status affects squad planning and player availability, leaving the club to manage potential roster changes as they prepare for the decisive return match.
