Elye Wahi scores on first start and already looks central to Nice | OneFootball

On his first start since rejoining Nice on loan from Frankfurt, Elye Wahi scored in a 1-1 draw with Le Mans and underlined his influence. The 23-year-old Ivorian international opened his season account.

According to L'Équipe, returning fans at the Allianz Riviera after two games behind closed doors serenaded him when the line-ups were read.

After flat outings against Lorient, 0-0, and at Paris FC, 0-3, there had been talk he might only play about an hour. Instead, Sofiane Diop sent him through on 44 minutes and he beat Raul Torrente and Ewan Hatfout to score.

Videira argued Wahi needs few chances and is a constant threat. Leaning on his pace looks more effective than trying to build through goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf’s variable kicking.

Wahi said he is not yet at 100 percent, finishing with cramps and feeling there is more to come. He had been welcomed like a rock star 15 days earlier and between January and June he struck 9 vital goals to help secure survival. Pantaloni observed traces of last season in some players’ heads, and Le Mans posed coherent resistance.

In the dressing room he has reunited with close friend Niels Nkounkou from France Under-21s. With his family now moved from Germany, he should soon settle into a new home, and he already looks central to how Nice play.

Source: L'Équipe

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