Nîmes Olympique
“A turning point in a career” Nîmes Olympique (1st, 53 points) travels to Andréezieux-Bouthéon (7th, 38 points) on Saturday for the 28th matchday of National 2. While the Crocodiles may not secure their promotion to Ligue 3 this weekend, they could take a step closer to the higher level by winning at the Envol stadium. Coach Mickaël Gas’ players have a narrow margin because on Friday night AS Cannes (2nd, 51 points) will host GOAL FC (9th, 36 points) and on Saturday Saint-Maur (3rd, 51 points) will visit Saint-Priest (13th, 29 points). After the impressive victory against Cannes, the Nîmes players will face a different context than at the Antonins stadium. Should we fear overconfidence from the NO players? No, midfielder Vincent Pires replies, reminding his younger teammates: “It’s their future at stake. Playing in Ligue 3 or National 2, it’s not the same. For those who won’t be at the club next season, it will be easier to find a new club if they go up with Nîmes. It’s not the same impact as finishing 8th. It’s a turning point in a career. In Ligue 3, there will be more visibility and all matches will be televised. It’s also a major turning point for the club.”
Andréezieux Trap Not resting on their laurels and gearing up for the battle is the motto this week at the Bastide training center. The Crocodiles had to recharge their batteries after the energy-draining win against Cannes. However, it’s also important to stay focused mentally, even when close to the goal, despite the general enthusiasm: “Many people talk about promotion, but we must keep a cool head. Andréezieux is a trap because we must win and they have nothing to play for. It will be similar to facing a very dangerous team and we might feel some pressure. The team has matured in away matches and we also need to improve our ability to remain in first place. It’s not over and it will be very tough. We have to see it through and finish the job,” warns Clément Depres. The Nîmes Olympique supporters on Saturday night will settle for an ugly win with the ugliest goal of Clément Depres’ career.
USAM
“The squad for Sélestat” This Friday, USAM Nîmes Gard visits Sélestat (16th, 10 points) for the 26th matchday of Starligue. Against the bottom-placed Alsace team, the Nîmes players (11th, 19 points) will try to bounce back in a season where they can no longer hope for a European spot. In the first leg, the players were held by Sélestat before winning by two goals (29-27).
The Nîmes squad retained: Grosjean, Draussin, Anquetil, Vincent, Acquevillo, Gibelin, Faustin, Derisbourg, Zuzo, Gibernon, Nol, Onodi, Tuxagues, Peyre, Kamtchop-Baril, and Kaczor. Two absences with Pardin (recovery phase) and Hodzic (knee injury). Finally, Wedberg was not included.
OAC
“An additional young prospect” For several weeks, a youth team player has been training with the first team of OAC. At the end of the season, young forward Kenny Owusu could be one of the surprises next season if he joins the pro team. Last year, he played in U19 National with Olympique Rovenain (Rove, Bouches-du-Rhône), where he gained playing time and avoided relegation. But after that experience, the Avignon native wanted to step up and join a National 3 club. The opportunity came with Alès. “I thought I wanted to prove myself in the reserve team and then try to move up to the pro team, and that’s what happened at the end of the season,” explains Kenny Owusu. Hindered by some first-team players moving to the reserves, he only played eight competitive matches during the season. “I first proved myself in training, even with the reserves, and then I was given the opportunity with the pros and I seized it. Now, we’ll see next season to try to bounce back,” concludes the Avignonais.
Gard-Lozère Cup
“Aigues-Mortes to host the final” For the semi-finals of the Gard-Lozère Cup, Anduze (R3) hosted the favorites Aigues-Mortes (R1). This match, originally scheduled for this weekend, took place on Wednesday night at the Rouret de Saint-Christol-lez-Alès stadium. Aigues-Mortes, still involved in the Occitanie Cup on Saturday, preferred to play during the week. This posed a challenge for Anduze, who couldn’t play at their Langlas stadium at night and had to relocate the match to a neighboring town. The match went smoothly for the visitors as Aigues-Mortes scored twice to win. They will host the final at their Bourgidou stadium on Thursday, May 14, facing the winner between FC Val de Cèze and Le Grau-du-Roi, who play this Sunday afternoon.
University Sports
“Ten competitions and 244 students” Last week, Olymp’Unîmes and Jubilé took place, with 244 students being honored. They represented Nîmes University in academic and national competitions. In total, ten national competitions were held, with 34 trips across the country, from Montpellier to Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse, or Grenoble. Six podiums were achieved, including a silver medal in wrestling and five bronze medals in boxing, wrestling, and karate. “Representing your university means more than just wearing a jersey, it’s about committing, learning to handle pressure, and growing through each experience,” says Armelle Le Natur, director of Nîmes University’s SUAPS. The goal of Olymp’Unîmes is to make physical and sports activities accessible to as many people as possible, making it inclusive while celebrating joy and sharing.
D2F Handball
“A trophy and a challenge” The regular season of the French D2 Women’s Championship is over for Bouillargues (3rd) and USAM Nîmes (6th). However, the competition continues with “Le Trophée,” designating the D2 champion for Bouillargues, and “Le Défi,” including ranking matches for Nîmes. Both clubs will play over the next four weekends. Bouillargues hosts Clermont on Sunday at the Agora in the first leg of the Trophy semi-final. The return leg will take place on Saturday, May 9. The other semi-final will see Saint-Grégoire Rennes face Vaulx-en-Velin. USAM Nîmes will play four matches to establish the final ranking from 5th to 10th place. Grégoire Detrez’s players will face Pessac (May 2), Palente Besançon at home (May 9), at Bègles (May 23), and at Parnasse against Le Pouzin.
