OGC Nice celebrated their 120th anniversary in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 8-0 victory over Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1.
The match was historic for several reasons, but most notably for the debut of Nigerian forward Victor Orakpo, who entered the game as a substitute in the 77th minute.
The 18-year-old Orakpo, the latest in a line of talented Nigerian footballers named Victor, replaced Mohammed-Ali Cho with Nice already leading 7-0. Although his time on the pitch was short, his appearance highlighted the club’s confidence in his potential.
This emphatic win etched its place in the record books, as Nice became the first Ligue 1 team to score six goals in the first half and equalled their record for goals scored in a single match, matching their 8-0 victory against Sedan in 1957.
The match served as the perfect celebration of the club’s rich history.
Orakpo, who previously played for Nigeria’s under-20 team (the Flying Eagles), caught the eye of Nice scouts during a successful trial, earning him a place in the team. While initially joining the reserve squad, the club views him as a future first-team player, nurturing his development alongside Super Eagles star Terem Moffi, who missed the match due to injury.
Though Orakpo’s debut is a key moment, the night belonged to on-loan Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who scored twice. This victory further cements the narrative of Nigerian talent making its mark in Europe, with Orakpo following in the footsteps of countrymen like Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.
Nice’s victory and Orakpo’s debut showcase the promise of both the club’s future and the young Nigerian starlet.
