Elye Wahi receives a fiery Nice welcome before return

Elye Wahi’s return to Nice has begun with an enthusiastic reception from supporters, as the 23-year-old prepares to complete another move from Eintracht Frankfurt to the Ligue 1 club. He arrived on Sunday evening and is scheduled to undergo his medical on Monday before finalising the agreement for a season-long return to the Gym.

Several hundred fans gathered inside the airport to welcome the Ivory Coast international. Wahi was embraced by supporters, wore a Nice scarf and flag, and stopped for selfies despite the late hour. The crowd also sang his name as he made his way through the terminal.

Wahi’s first spell at Nice produced nine goals and two assists in 19 matches. His most decisive contribution came in the Ligue 1 relegation play-off, when his two goals helped Nice defeat Saint-Etienne 4-1 in the second leg and retain their top-flight status.

His arrival comes as Nice seek a sharper attack. The team opened the Ligue 1 season with a goalless draw against Lorient and had also failed to score in their final three friendly matches. Right-back Jonathan Clauss said after the Lorient game that the side needed more presence in the penalty area and identified Wahi’s absence as a factor. If his medical is satisfactory, Wahi could feature against Paris FC on Sunday.