From Champions League aspirations at the season’s start to relegation fears at the finish, Nice’s fate hangs in the balance. A poor performance Friday evening could consign the club—four-time French champions—to Ligue 2 for the first time in 24 years. The return leg against Saint-Étienne, following a 0-0 draw in the first match, represents the club’s final lifeline. Yet it arrives amid unprecedented turmoil.

The Aiglons will play behind closed doors at the Allianz Riviera, a decision authorities describe as prudent given the volatile atmosphere. While the absence of fans may ease pressure, prefecture officials anticipate unrest if Nice falters. This follows the unprecedented pitch invasion after the 0-0 draw with Metz, which caused €600,000 in damage.

The club’s handling of the situation has been equally unconventional. Two weeks after the hostile pitch invasion following Nice’s 0-0 draw with Metz, authorities have banned supporters from all stadium-adjacent areas and surrounding businesses. Such measures are common for away matches but rare at home. The decision may be justified given the torrent of online threats directed at defender Ali Abdi, forcing the club to prioritize safety over convenience.

Ultras leader sends plea to Wahi

Abdi’s absence has dominated the week’s headlines. Torn between Nice’s need to retain key players for these final matches and the Tunisian Football Federation’s relentless pressure to secure his participation in international duty—including three flight reservations to North Africa since Saturday—the defender ultimately departed. While the club claims solutions existed to balance Abdi’s administrative obligations and his presence Friday, his entourage argues the risks to his World Cup preparations (June 11-July 19) were too great. The club later confirmed Abdi’s determination to return and support the team Friday evening.

Without Abdi and forward Hicham Boudaoui (concussion protocol), the team’s prospects hinge on the fitness of Elye Wahi. Suspended Tuesday and remaining on the French Riviera to rest, the Ivorian striker is refreshed and has prepared meticulously. Alongside club sessions, he analyzed Saint-Étienne’s defensive patterns with his personal staff, taking to heart a message from the ultras following the Coupe de France final loss to Lens: «Save us, we’re counting on you.» In this context, Wahi’s form could prove decisive.