Elye Wahi scored twice as Nice defeated Saint-Étienne 4-1 in the second leg of the Ligue 1 relegation/promotion playoff, securing their place in the French top flight for the 2024/25 season. The match, played behind closed doors due to previous crowd trouble, saw Wahi find the net late on to seal a crucial victory for Les Aiglons.
The Ivorian striker was unavailable for the first leg of the tie due to suspension, but made an immediate impact upon his return. Saint-Étienne had briefly drawn level through a penalty ten minutes from time, but Wahi’s two goals extinguished any hopes of a comeback for the Ligue 2 side. Jonathan Clauss had opened the scoring for Nice earlier in the encounter.
Wahi joined Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, and quickly established himself as a key player, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances. Prior to the move, Wahi had struggled to make an impact in Germany, netting only once for Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal against FV Engers 07 during an 18-month spell. He had previously impressed in Ligue 1 with Lens, before making the switch to the Bundesliga.
The 21-year-old also demonstrated his goalscoring ability in the Coupe de France during his loan spell, scoring a brace in the semi-final against Strasbourg. However, Nice were ultimately defeated in the final by his former club, Lens. Frankfurt are reportedly open to a permanent transfer for Wahi, but have recently added Noel Futkeu, the top scorer from the 2. Bundesliga, to their attacking options. Wahi’s strong performances for Nice will likely attract interest from other clubs, and his future remains uncertain.
Nice’s victory ensures they avoid relegation, while Saint-Étienne will remain in Ligue 2 for another season. Wahi’s goals proved decisive in a tense playoff tie, highlighting his importance to Claude Puel’s side during his loan spell.
