Wahi scores brace as Nice thump Saint Etienne in French Ligue 1 play-off

Elye Wahi struck twice in the closing minutes as Nice defeated Saint‑Étienne 4‑1 on Friday, securing their Ligue 1 status and ending the visitors’ hopes of an immediate return to the top flight. After finishing fourth last season, Nice endured a dramatic collapse that pushed them into the relegation play‑off, but Wahi’s impact, having arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, proved decisive.

Following a goalless first leg, the return match at an empty Allianz Riviera, closed due to previous crowd trouble, opened up after the hour mark. Jonathan Clauss put Nice ahead before Zuriko Davitashvili equalised from the penalty spot. Kail Boudache restored the lead on eighty‑one minutes, and Wahi then punished Saint‑Étienne on the counter twice as the visitors chased the game.

The victory offered a rare highlight in a difficult season for Nice, who also lost the French Cup final 3‑1 to Lens last week.