Mohamed Abdelmonem’s adaptation to life in Ligue 1 continues to progress, with Tunisian teammate Ali Abdi expressing confidence that the Egyptian defender will soon establish himself as a key figure for OGC Nice.
Support and solidarity in Nice’s ranks
Abdelmonem, who joined the French club from Egyptian giants Al Ahly last summer, arrived alongside Abdi, a fellow North African talent.
The Tunisian, who has been in France since 2019, has played a crucial role in helping his Egyptian teammate settle in, particularly in navigating the language barrier.
Abdi recently reaffirmed his commitment to assisting Abdelmonem in his adaptation process.
“Even with ten translators, I will remain his number one, that’s important to me. When I arrived in France, I understood French, but I didn’t speak it, so I know what he’s going through,” he wrote in a statement.
Language key to unlocking Abdelmonem’s potential
The 31-year-old defender believes that mastering the French language will be the final step in unlocking Abdelmonem’s full potential in Ligue 1.
He emphasized the former Al Ahly star’s credentials, which include two CAF Champions League titles and experience against elite opposition in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“That’s all he needs to become a top player. He’s not just a star in Egypt, all of Africa knows him. He’s won two African Champions Leagues and faced big teams in the Club World Cup. When he understands French, he’ll win everyone over,” Abdi added.
A promising start in France
This season marks Abdelmonem’s first venture outside Egypt, and he has already made 15 appearances for OGC Nice, accumulating 1,148 minutes on the pitch.
With Abdi’s guidance and his own determination, the Egyptian defender is steadily adapting to European football and looks poised to make a lasting impact in Ligue 1.