Badreddine Bouanani produced a standout display to guide OGC Nice back to winning ways, contributing a vital assist in their 2-1 win over Angers, and marking a significant return to form for the Algerian international.
After a prolonged absence from the starting line-up, Bouanani was handed his first Ligue 1 start since January 11, and he seized the opportunity with a performance full of energy, creativity, and vision.
His moment of brilliance came in the 36th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross for Pablo Rosario to head home and break the deadlock.
The assist — his first in Ligue 1 since May 6, 2023, against Rennes — was a timely reminder of the 19-year-old’s technical quality.
It also marked his fifth assist in a Nice shirt, three of which have come from well-placed crosses, underlining his strength in wide areas.
“He’s very good too,” Nice head coach Franck Haise said when asked about Bouanani’s contribution.
There were still quite a few interesting things, firstly in the offensive animation against a block that never leaves much space, like in Paris, two weeks ago.
There were some positive things. We should certainly be more accurate and efficient to show the difference on the scoreboard, but it’s been a while since we won.
It’s still a good time, we mustn’t forget that.
Bouanani’s early involvement set the tone.
He was the first to test Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana with a fierce effort from 25 metres, showing the kind of confidence and assertiveness that had been lacking in recent appearances.
His performance, combining both flair and responsibility, was exactly what Haise had been calling for in recent weeks as Nice endured a five-match winless run.
A product of Lille’s academy and a former star for France’s youth sides, Bouanani has also represented Algeria at senior level, having won gold at the Mediterranean Games in 2022.
His reemergence could hardly have come at a better time, with Nice chasing European qualification and a trip to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon.
Should Bouanani maintain this form over the final stretch of the season, he may well attract the attention of Algeria’s national coach, Vladimir Petkovic.
With friendly fixtures scheduled in June, the door could reopen for the winger to stake his claim for a place in the squad — a possibility that seemed distant not long ago.
For now, Bouanani’s focus remains firmly with Nice, but his recent display has not only reignited his season — it may have also reignited his international prospects.
