Baky Kone tips Elye Wahi to break 15-goal mark at OGC Nice

Elye Wahi’s return to OGC Nice has been welcomed by former Ivory Coast international and Nice great Baky Kone, who believes the striker has the pace, movement and finishing ability to make a major impact this season.

The 23-year-old has rejoined OGC Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan deal costing €1.5m, with the French club holding an option to buy him for €15m.

Wahi is returning to a side where he previously made a strong impression. During his first spell on the Cote d’Azur, the Ivory Coast international scored nine goals in 19 appearances.

Kone, speaking to 225foot, examined the tactical value of Wahi’s arrival and identified the forward’s speed and explosiveness as qualities that could address important needs in OGC Nice’s attack.

The former Nice striker also highlighted Wahi’s intelligence when moving off the ball. In particular, he pointed to the timing of the player’s runs on the edge of the offside line and his ability to finish quickly when Nice transition into attack.

Those characteristics could be especially valuable in a team seeking greater threat in fast-moving attacking situations. Wahi’s acceleration gives him the ability to attack space behind defensive lines, while his movement can create opportunities for team-mates as well as for himself.

Kone’s assessment is that Wahi has the tools to become a dependable performer in the French top flight if he continues to maintain his tactical discipline and contributes consistently without the ball.

Should the striker retain that level of focus and defensive commitment, Kone believes Wahi can score more than 15 goals this season and establish himself as a reliable asset in the championship.

Wahi’s return also represents a significant financial commitment for OGC Nice. The forward is currently valued at €18m and earned an annual salary of €3,770,000, equivalent to 2,474,070,390 FCFA, during his time in Germany.

The player, who was born in Courcouronnes, remains under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until 2030. His loan agreement gives OGC Nice the opportunity to secure his services permanently for a €15m fee.

The French club’s next challenge comes in the second round of the championship, when OGC Nice face Paris FC. The match will provide an early opportunity to assess how quickly Wahi can reintegrate into the team and whether his pace and movement can immediately strengthen the attack.

The listed betting odds make Paris FC the favourites, with a price of 2.10 for an away win. An OGC Nice victory is priced at 3.20, while a draw is rated at 3.30 by 1xbet.