Nice face Hull City in final pre-season friendly after Mohamed Abdelmonem appearance

Nice will play Hull City in their final friendly before the start of the 2026-27 season, with the match coming after Egypt defender Mohamed Abdelmonem returned to action for the French club.

Nice begin their league campaign against Lorient on Saturday, 22 August, making the meeting with the English side their last opportunity to prepare before competitive football resumes.

Abdelmonem featured for Nice in a behind-closed-doors game between the club’s starting players and substitutes on Wednesday. Head coach Olivier Pantaloni divided the match into two 30-minute halves.

The defender’s involvement is significant because he missed the whole of last season with Nice while recovering from a serious knee injury. Abdelmonem, 27, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2025 and was unable to make a single appearance for the club during the previous campaign.

Nice’s friendly against Hull City will be broadcast on the French club’s official YouTube channel, giving supporters the chance to watch the team’s final warm-up fixture before the new season begins.

Abdelmonem joined Nice from Al Ahly in the summer of 2024 on a four-year contract. His move came before the injury that interrupted his early period with the French side and kept him out of action throughout the following season.

Despite his lack of club appearances, Abdelmonem was included in Egypt’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. He played as a substitute in both of Egypt’s matches against New Zealand and then started against Iran.

His appearance against Iran lasted only 14 minutes, however, before he was substituted because of an injury. The defender’s return to action for Nice therefore represents another step in his recovery as he looks to regain his fitness and resume his club career.

For Pantaloni, the fixture with Hull City will complete Nice’s pre-season schedule before the team turns its attention to the league opener against Lorient. The match will also provide the latest indication of Abdelmonem’s progress after his lengthy absence.