Five months after his January transfer to OGC Nice, Ivorian striker Elye Wahi has opened up about his remarkable revival on the Côte d'Azur. The 23-year-old, who endured challenging periods at both Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt, has rediscovered his form and confidence at Nice, becoming a key figure in the club's battle for Ligue 1 survival.
Wahi's journey to Nice was not straightforward. After being labeled a major prospect, he found himself on the fringes at Marseille, given only four months to prove himself. A subsequent move to Frankfurt offered little respite, with the striker making just four starts in a year as Hugo Ekitike and later Jonathan Burkardt were preferred. "In these two clubs, I wasn't given time or a chance," Wahi reflected, highlighting the harsh reality of modern football's patience deficit.
The turning point came with his move to Nice in January. Despite reservations from his entourage, Wahi was convinced by coach Christophe Puel's vision. "The coach called me in January, he saw me in his team," Wahi explained. "He lets you express yourself and show your qualities. He gives you freedom." This trust has been repaid with crucial goals, most notably a stunning 30-meter lob against Angers and an audacious Panenka penalty in the hostile atmosphere of the Vélodrome against Marseille.
The Marseille match, in particular, encapsulated Wahi's newfound resilience. Amidst a tense atmosphere and verbal sparring with former teammates Facundo Medina and Leonardo Balerdi, Wahi held his nerve to score the equalizing penalty with a Panenka. "Rulli knows me, the proof is he dove to the side I usually shoot," Wahi said. "In big moments, you have to do big things. I don't do Panenkas all the time, but it's a gesture I master and I was sure to succeed."
This moment of brilliance was not just about technical skill; it was a statement. "I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, something that would leave a mark," Wahi stated. His teammate Dante praised the impact, saying, "Wahi has brought madness to us, he has made our team stronger. His goals against Angers and Marseille show personality, and his confidence is contagious."
Wahi's resurgence at Nice follows a well-trodden path for players seeking to rebuild their careers. He cited the examples of Hatem Ben Arfa, Valère Germain, and Mario Balotelli, all of whom found a new lease of life at the club. "I remembered that Hatem Ben Arfa, Valère Germain, or Mario Balotelli had regained their momentum by signing with Nice," Wahi noted. "That's what I'm in the process of doing."
However, Wahi's immediate future is uncertain. Currently nursing a thigh injury that kept him out of the 1-1 draw with Lens, he may be rested for the crucial match against Auxerre, where Nice has a match point to secure its Ligue 1 status. The stakes are incredibly high, as Wahi acknowledged: "It's impossible to see OGC Nice in L2 and see people get laid off. We have their destiny in our hands."
Beyond the club's survival, Wahi's performances have put him on the radar for the Ivory Coast national team. With one cap to his name, a strong finish to the season could see him included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. His ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in Marseille, makes him a valuable asset for the Elephants.
Wahi's story is one of perseverance and self-belief. After being written off by many, he has used his time at Nice to prove his doubters wrong. "When you are sure of your qualities, doubt can set in but it doesn't stay long," he said. As Nice faces its final decisive matches, Wahi's form and mentality will be crucial not just for the club's survival, but for his own career trajectory.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.