OGC Nice is proud to announce the signing of a partnership with Racing Club Abidjan. As part of the club’s internationalisation, it now links with one of the best recognised academies in the Côte d’Ivoire. 

After Brazil, where the Gym’s eye comes in the form of Henrique (former defender and Champion of France with Bordeaux), this time it is in Africa that the Aiglons look to sustainably set themselves up, thanks to a partnership which was made official on Saturday with Racing Club Abidjan. “Racing wear their savoir-faire like a fashion brand. We were attracted by the principles that they encourage”, explained Julien Fournier, Managing Director of the Gym. “They correspond perfectly with the philosophy of OGC Nice. This way of playing had always been the determining factor in this collaboration.”

Who are Racing?

Created eight years ago with the idea “of developing young talent to dominate Ivorian football and to feed the big European clubs”, according to Souleymane Cissé, the club’s founder and president, Racing have progressively implanted themselves as a reference point. A well built system, from the bottom to the top, which the Nice decision makers have been able to visit on several occasions. They already have certain members in Europe and a senior side which has been brought up on these principles. Made up of 95% home grown players, the side plays some of the best football in the country, which has allowed them to take home the championship trophy, opening up a path into the top flight of Ivorian football next season… Another particularity which the Nice board couldn’t ignore: they have the lowest average age of the two top Ivorian divisions (19 years old).

In Abidjan, Souleymane Cissé, spoke above all “of a human partnership” when speaking about the link with the Aiglons. A “win-win” situation where each side will benefit from the skills of the other. The president of Racing will now form part of OGC Nice, as the the chief scout for the whole of Africa, proof that both sides have their focus on the future. 

The Gym will benefit from a first option on all of the best Racing players. From their side of things, the young Ivorians will be able “to continue and finish their preparation with a solid and reliable European partner, who doesn’t hesitate to put its confidence in youngsters and has an ideal environment”, according to Cissé.

This summer, a first Racing trained player will join the Gym’s academy and take his place in the Reserve team.

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