OGC Nice striker Elye Wahi completes step towards representing Ivory Coast

OGC Nice striker Elye Wahi has officially obtained his Ivorian passport, bringing him a step closer to a possible call-up for Ivory Coast national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The announcement came via a video shared on Monday by the Ivorian consul in Paris, Issiaka Konaté, showing Wahi being warmly welcomed during his registration process at the Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire.

“I am very pleased to welcome our compatriot Wahi here to the Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in Paris to complete your passport registration,” the consul said.

Born in Courcouronnes to Ivorian parents, Wahi has represented France at youth international levels, from U16 to U21.

At 23, he remains uncapped at senior level for France under coach Didier Deschamps, leaving him eligible to play for Ivory Coast.

While obtaining the passport is a crucial step towards changing his sporting nationality, Wahi has not yet made a formal decision. During the visit, the consul highlighted the significance of his arrival.

“We are very happy to have you (…) and we are counting on you. The World Cup (2026, from June 11 to July 19) is coming to Ivory Coast,” Konaté said, presenting Wahi with a wooden sculpture shaped like the country.

Wahi responded: “In any case, we’ll do everything we can,” signalling his openness to the possibility of representing the Elephants at the upcoming tournament.

The striker’s performances with OGC Nice have already drawn attention across Europe, and a potential switch to the Ivorian national team could provide him with the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage while adding attacking options for Ivory Coast.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Wahi’s international future is now under close scrutiny, and his next decision could determine whether he joins the Elephants in the tournament.