Reims manager Samba Diawara has warned his side to expect a stern challenge as they welcome high-flying OGC Nice in Friday night’s Ligue 1 opener at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
The fixture marks the start of Matchday 32, with both teams chasing very different goals. Nice, currently sixth in the standings, remain firmly in the race for a European spot.
Reims, sitting 13th, are still battling to ensure their Ligue 1 survival heading into the final stretch of the season.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Diawara acknowledged the quality and ambition of Francesco Farioli’s Nice side, who have proven themselves to be one of the most formidable outfits in the division this campaign.
“Nice are one of the strongest teams in the league across many areas, whether it’s physicality or pure footballing ability,” Diawara told reporters.
“Their position in the table is no coincidence. They’re fully aware that if they manage to win their next three matches, Champions League qualification will be within their grasp.
That makes them extremely dangerous.”
With three wins in their last three league outings, Nice arrive in Reims full of momentum and belief. Diawara pointed to one result in particular that underlines just how serious a threat the visitors pose.
“They were the first team to defeat Paris Saint-Germain this season,” he said. “When you manage to do that, it naturally boosts your confidence.
Beating a team like PSG sends a clear message – you’re capable of beating anyone in the league. That kind of result gives you a psychological edge.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge ahead, Diawara remained defiant and committed to pushing his players to match Nice’s intensity and desire.
“We’re under no illusions about the difficulty of the match,” he continued. “But we’ve faced tough opponents before. We know what to expect.
The one thing I can say for certain is that we won’t roll over. We’re fighting for every point, and that won’t change regardless of the opponent.”
Diawara’s comments reflect the urgency of Reims’ situation. With just a handful of games left, every fixture is critical in their mission to remain in the French top flight.
A positive result against a team of Nice’s calibre would not only provide a much-needed boost to their points tally but also reinforce the belief within the squad.
Meanwhile, for Nice, the pressure is equally intense. With rivals for European qualification breathing down their necks, Farioli’s men cannot afford to slip.
A win in Reims could set the tone for a strong finish that might yet see them book a ticket to Europe’s elite competition.
Kick-off at Stade Auguste-Delaune is set for Friday evening, and both sides have everything to play for. For Reims, it’s a matter of survival.
For Nice, it’s the dream of Champions League football. All eyes will be on the Champagne region as the weekend’s Ligue 1 action gets underway.
