On Monday afternoon, the OGC Nice U16s beat RC Strasbourg in the final of the 47th edition of the prestigious Tournoi de Montaigu (2-1). 

A huge first for the Academy in its third appearance (8th in 2006 and 5th in 2012)! Although the Niçois started with a stutter against FC Nantes (1-1), they turned things around with a victory over District de Vendée (1-2) and Girondins de Bordeaux (1-0) in the group stage. Les Aiglons then joined Olympique de Marseille for a Mediterranean Derby in the Vendée and secured a 2-1 win, ensuring their place in the final. “This great run allows us to show that the Academy is working well”,delighted Alain Wathelet, the Academy Director.

On Monday, the final saw OGC Nice take on RC Strasbourg. Azuréens and Alsaciens were both trying to get to grips with each other in the early stages. And it was only on the thirty minute mark that the Red and Blacks found a solution - through a Ben Seghir free-kick from 30 metres out. His third goal of the tournament. 

Nice ouvre le score sur un splendide coup-franc de leur maître à jouer Salim Ben Seghir (2003) ! #MondialMontaigu pic.twitter.com/q8Lf1tYsxY

— Jay Jay (@JayhJJ) 22 avril 2019

Racing’s equaliser in the second half didn’t hamper Le Gym’s determination. Quite the contrary, Coach Cordoba’s side made the most of a defensive error to take the lead - thanks to an assist from Ben Seghir, setting up Soifeini. The score wouldn’t change after that. At the final whistle, the Niçois were able to celebrate, lift the trophy and pose for a photo for the memory books.

As well as the cup, Enzo Garrido took home the title of Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. “The squad had a really positive sprint. That’s often what can make the difference in a tournament, said the coach, Patrick Cordoba. The victory is deserved because we were very good and stayed true to our game plan, playing good football. I congratulate everyone, the staff and players, because it’s a team win.”

A victory that promises much for the future given that in Montaigu, OGC Nice - with its 5 players born in 2004 - was the youngest squad involved. A squad “whose core comes from a mix of young players from the club and our new recruits”, concluded Fabrice Garrigues, in charge of player recruitment for the Academy.

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