Elye Wahi
CF
Playmaking Forward
Jan 2, 2003 (23)
Right
6'0"
163 lb
Cleared to travel with squad
Wahi (not injury related) has received the necessary authorizations to enter Canadian territory and is now cleared to travel with the Ivory Coast delegation for Saturday's clash against Germany, the federation announced.
Analysis: Wahi had been forced to remain in the United States after the required administrative authorizations could not be obtained in time for the team's previous trip to Canada, making the resolution of the situation a significant relief for the Ivorian Football Federation and the squad. Wahi's availability for Saturday's fixture gives coach Emerse Fae an important attacking option as Ivory Coast look to respond following their opening group stage result.
Won't travel to Canada
Wahi (not injury related) will not travel with the Ivory Coast delegation to Canada after the necessary administrative authorizations for his entry into the country could not be obtained at this stage, with the federation confirming he will remain in the United States awaiting the team's return, the Ivorian Football Federation announced.
Analysis: Wahi's situation comes amid various reports published Wednesday concerning the player and illegal betting issues, though the federation clarified it has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against him. The FIF reaffirmed its full support and confidence in Wahi, stating he remains an important figure in the national team setup, and will continue monitoring the situation closely ahead of any further official updates.
Limited impact in win
Wahi generated two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Ecuador. He also added one tackle.
Analysis: Wahi took one of Ivory Coast's four shots on target in this game, but he didn't do much else as the spearhead of the attack. Wahi might remain in the lineup for Saturday's game against Germany, but that looks like a difficult matchup on paper for the striker.
No longer banned
Wahi has served his suspension in Tuesday's first leg of the Ligue 1 playoffs against Saint-Etienne and is available going forward.
Analysis: Wahi will be back in contention for a starting spot, threatening Mohamed-Ali Cho's playing time going forward. Since joining Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, the Ivorian striker has contributed five goals and one assist across 14 league appearances, although he has also missed a few chances. He's projected to represent his country at the World Cup, where he would be a depth player behind Evann Guessand and Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Back available
Wahi (thigh) is back available for Sunday's clash against Auxerre after progressively increasing his training intensity throughout the week, the club posted.
Analysis: Wahi's return to the matchday squad is a timely boost for Nice heading into a crucial end to the campaign, with the Coupe de France final against Lens on May 22 also looming on the horizon. The club managed his workload carefully over the past week to ensure he was ready to contribute without risking a setback. Mohamed-Ali Cho, who had been expected to retain the starting role in his absence, is likely to revert to a depth option with Wahi back in contention.
Late fitness decision
Wahi (thigh) has been progressively increasing his training intensity each day and is a late call for Sunday's clash against Auxerre, according to coach Claude Puel, per Ici Azur. "For Elye he has been building up in intensity in training each day. For him too we will see on Saturday."
Analysis: Wahi had returned to running work earlier in the week and is determined to contribute, but the club will not take any unnecessary risks with their top attacking weapon given the Coupe de France final against Lens on May 22 also looming. Mohamed-Ali Cho is expected to retain the starting role if Wahi cannot be cleared in time, with the final call coming after Saturday's session.
Suffers thigh discomfort
Wahi (thigh) felt pain during Thursday's training session and will miss Saturday's clash against Lens as a precautionary measure, with a return for next week's trip to Auxerre the target, according to William Humberset of Nice Matin.
Analysis: Wahi has been Nice's most dangerous attacking weapon since arriving on loan from Frankfurt, contributing seven goals and two assists, making his absence a real blow for the Gym heading into the weekend. The club is clearly taking no risks with the srtiker given the Coupe de France final against Lens on May 22 also looming on the horizon, prioritizing having him fully fit for the end-of-season showpiece over a league fixture. Kevin Omoruyi is expected to step into the starting role up front in his absence against the Sang et Or.
Scores panenka in draw
Wahi scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Marseille. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 44th minute.
Analysis: Wahi scored a late panenka in the 88th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Marseille, stepping up with confidence to level things for Nice after the referee pointed to the spot, then picked up a booking for celebrating in front of his former Marseille supporters. He was mostly kept under wraps the rest of the night, as Leonardo Balerdi and the Marseille back line did a solid job limiting his impact, with the forward finishing with one goal and three shots, including two on target. Wahi now has five goals in 12 appearances since making his return to Ligue 1 during the winter window, showing steady production since the move.
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