Olivier Pantaloni praises Boudaoui’s return to plug Nice’s midfield

After almost a month on the sidelines, Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui returned to OGC Nice against Strasbourg, arriving just after Djibril Coulibaly’s injury left a gap in the centre of the park. Coach Olivier Pantaloni immediately praised the impact, seeing the signing as a timely solution to Nice’s midfield shortage.

Immediate influence on the game

Boudaoui entered the match in the 37th minute, replacing the injured Djibril Coulibaly. The Algerian international instantly brought greater composure to Nice’s midfield, a stark contrast to the weeks he had spent without genuine game time.

Pantaloni did not hide his satisfaction, stating: “Hicham has done us a huge amount of good in midfield, in his technical mastery and distribution of the game.” The coach’s comments underscored the immediate benefit of the former Paradou player.

Before this appearance, Boudaoui had not featured a single minute since 12 September, roughly a month without action. The lengthy spell on the sidelines made his swift influence all the more noticeable.

Nice eventually secured a 2-1 victory over Strasbourg, and Boudaoui’s entry even threatened to produce a spectacular assist. Although the assist did not materialise, his presence contributed to the winning momentum.

Having also missed a recent Algeria call‑up, Boudaoui now aims to re‑establish himself both at club level and on the international stage. Continued minutes under Pantaloni could be key to reviving his national‑team prospects.