In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nîmes Olympique saw their hopes of remaining in National 1 dashed as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Aubagne on Friday, May 9, 2025. The match, held at the Stade des Antonins, was the 33rd and penultimate round of the season, marking a significant moment for the Crocos who faced a must-win situation to keep their survival dreams alive.
Aubagne, who arrived as the visiting team, capitalized on their chances, with Steven Nsimba leading the charge by scoring twice in the second half. Setigui Karamoko added to the tally with a goal just before halftime, putting Nîmes on the back foot early in the match. Despite a spirited performance from Oussama Abdeldjelil, who netted two goals for the home side, it was not enough to alter the outcome.
The match began with both teams testing each other in midfield, but it was Nîmes who first threatened the scoreboard. Abdeldjelil had an early opportunity, but his shot was blocked. As the game progressed, Aubagne managed to find their rhythm, and after a series of exchanges, Karamoko found the net in the 45+3 minute, sending the teams into halftime with Nîmes trailing 1-0.
Just after the break, disaster struck for the Crocos as Nsimba scored in the 46th minute, doubling Aubagne's lead and leaving Nîmes reeling. However, the home team responded almost immediately. Abdeldjelil, showcasing his determination, pulled one back for Nîmes in the 47th minute, igniting hopes among the home crowd. This was his 15th goal of the season, a personal milestone amidst a challenging campaign.
As the game unfolded, Nsimba struck again in the 53rd minute, restoring a two-goal advantage for Aubagne. The Nîmes defense struggled to contain the visitors, who were clinical in front of goal. Abdeldjelil managed to score again in the 80th minute, bringing the score to 2-3 and giving Nîmes a glimmer of hope as they pushed for an equalizer.
However, any chance of a comeback was extinguished when Lamine Djaballah found the net for Aubagne in added time, sealing the 4-2 victory. This crucial defeat confirmed Nîmes' relegation to National 2, a bitter end to a season that saw them finish at the bottom of the league standings.
With only six wins over the course of the season, Nîmes' record of fifteen losses and ten draws was insufficient to secure their place in National 1. The Crocos now face an uncertain future, having fallen from Ligue 1 just four seasons ago. The club's management, led by owner Rani Assaf, has come under scrutiny from fans who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
As the dust settles on this disappointing campaign, Nîmes must regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward. The club's supporters will be hoping for a swift turnaround as they prepare for life in the fourth tier of French football, where they will need to rebuild and reclaim their former glory.
In summary, the match against Aubagne was not just a game; it was a reflection of a season filled with struggles and missed opportunities for Nîmes Olympique. As they prepare for the challenges ahead in National 2, the focus will be on rebuilding the squad and restoring pride in the club.
