Jeremie Boga: Dribbling Maestro Discusses Nice’s Ambitions, Unique Style, and AFCON Glory

Jeremie Boga, a name synonymous with dazzling footwork, has returned to Ligue 1 with a bang. Reunited with Francesco Farioli, his former coach at Sassuolo, Boga is spearheading a dynamic attack for OGC Nice. In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the Ivorian winger delves into his season, Nice’s tactical approach, and the unforgettable triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nice Chasing Top-Six Finish

Fresh off a hard-fought 2-2 draw against rivals Olympique de Marseille, Boga acknowledges the frustration of dropping points despite Nice having a man advantage in the second half. However, he remains optimistic about the team’s chances of securing a top-six finish.

“We’re still fifth,” he emphasizes, “so we mustn’t get carried away. We need to keep our sights set on the top six, finishing the season well, taking maximum points from the last four matches, and then we’ll see where we stand.”

Boga’s contribution to Nice’s success is undeniable. With four goals and three assists, he has seamlessly adapted to Ligue 1 after a seven-year hiatus. “I wasn’t surprised by the level,” he admits, “but it’s different experiencing it on the pitch.” He acknowledges his satisfaction with his first season, but remains hungry for more.

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A Disappearing Art: The Value of Dribbling

Boga embodies a style of play that’s becoming increasingly rare – the skilful dribbler. “It’s a gift to have that talent,” he says, reflecting on his childhood spent honing his skills on the streets. “I’ve always dribbled, tried to win my one-on-one duels.”

He laments the decline of street football, a breeding ground for technical mastery. “Before, we were often outside, playing on tarmac or even clay,” he reminisces. “That’s getting lost, and I think we need to rediscover it because that’s where you make progress.”

Nice’s Possession-Based Philosophy

Nice’s approach under Farioli emphasizes patient build-up play, with intricate passing patterns initiated by the central defenders. While some might find this tedious for attackers, Boga, having already experienced this style at Sassuolo, embraces it.

“Nice don’t pass for passing’s sake! It’s a system that suits us well,” he clarifies. “It takes patience, but it’s brought us results.” He highlights the team’s dedication to perfecting these intricate movements in training, acknowledging the potential for further refinement.

A Last-Minute Derby Winner: A Defining Moment

Boga pinpoints his last-minute winner against rivals Monaco as a defining moment of his season. “It was my first goal, and in an away derby at that. It gave us the win and we went top. It was a great win and a great image of me this year.”

AFCON: An Unforgettable Journey

The interview takes a heartwarming turn as Boga discusses his AFCON triumph with Ivory Coast. He recounts the rollercoaster ride, from the initial disappointment of a group-stage slump to the elation of ultimately lifting the trophy on home soil.

“Even today, I can’t explain those emotions,” he confesses, describing the tense period where qualification for the knockouts hung in the balance.

He emphasizes the high level of competition at AFCON, highlighting the unpredictability and attacking prowess of teams like Cape Verde and South Africa. The mental challenge of integrating seamlessly back into Nice after the tournament was minimal, as the victory provided a surge of motivation for the remaining Ligue 1 season.

A Fond Farewell to Atalanta

With his former club Atalanta facing Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League semi-finals, Boga reveals he hasn’t received any pre-match advice requests from his former teammates. “I’m going to watch the match like everyone else,” he smiles, remaining neutral in the face of this exciting European clash.

Jeremie Boga’s story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and a deep connection with the beautiful game. As Nice continues its pursuit of a top-six finish, Boga’s dazzling dribbles and infectious enthusiasm promise to be central to the team’s success.