Ali Abdi found the net for the third time this season, but his goal proved insufficient as OGC Nice suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Nantes on matchday 28 of the French Ligue 1.
The Tunisian defender gave the hosts an early lead, finding the back of the net in the 14th minute to raise hopes of a return to winning form.
His finish—confident and well-timed—gave the Nice supporters reason to believe the team could reclaim their place among the league’s top three.
It was Abdi’s latest contribution in what has been a productive season on a personal level.
However, despite the promising start, Nice were unable to capitalise on their early momentum.
Nantes, undeterred by the home crowd, responded with resilience and gradually took control of the contest.
Their persistence paid off with two unanswered goals, turning the game in their favour and leaving Nice to rue missed chances and defensive lapses.
The loss comes at a costly time for Francesco Farioli’s side.
A victory would have seen them reclaim a position on the Ligue 1 podium, but instead, they remain adrift, missing a critical opportunity to close the gap on the league’s frontrunners.
The home supporters left the Allianz Riviera frustrated, with the team’s inconsistency continuing to undermine their ambitions for European qualification.
Abdi, despite the defeat, continues to impress with his attacking instincts from defence.
His goal tally is a testament to his growing influence in the final third, and his performances are increasingly vital in Nice’s campaign.
Yet, the result underscored the challenges facing the team collectively, particularly in maintaining composure and control in tight contests.
For Nantes, the result marked a significant away triumph, as they executed their game plan effectively and weathered Nice’s early pressure.
The win lifts them further from the lower end of the table and provides a morale boost heading into the final stretch of the season.
Nice, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly if they are to revive their hopes of a top-three finish.
With the competition intensifying at the summit of Ligue 1, consistency will be key—and performances like this one suggest that further improvement is needed.
