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Nigerian Duo Odede and Gozzi Celebrate as Troyes Secure Promotion to Ligue 1

Posted : 27 April 2026

ESTAC Troyes officially confirmed their return to Ligue 1 on Saturday, April 25, following a convincing 3-0 win against AS Saint-Étienne. The match took place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and ensured Troyes a top-two finish in Ligue 2. With two matches remaining in the season, the club has successfully ended a three-year wait to compete in the elite tier of French football.

The victory marks a significant turnaround for a club that faced potential relegation to the third tier just two seasons ago. Administrative changes in the league saved them from that fate following financial issues at other clubs. Since then, head coach Stéphane Dumont has transformed the squad into a disciplined and consistent promotion-winning unit.

Nigerian interest in the club’s success focuses on the contributions of Elijah Odede and Paolo Gozzi. Gozzi, a 25-year-old defender with experience at Juventus and Genoa, was a reliable presence in the backline. He made 14 league appearances this season before his campaign was cut short by a broken fibula in November. Despite his injury, his defensive positioning played a vital role in Troyes maintaining one of the best defensive records in the division.

On the attacking front, 19-year-old winger Elijah Odede has emerged as an exciting prospect. Born in Ogbomosho, Odede joined Troyes from Moldova's FC Sheriff in late 2025. He has been utilized primarily as an impact substitute to exploit tired defenses with his pace. One of his highlights included a decisive assist during a 5-2 win over Guingamp earlier in the season.

The promotion-clinching game was set in motion by Tawfik Bentayeb, who netted his 18th goal of the campaign. Troyes remained defensively solid throughout the match to prevent any comeback from Saint-Étienne. This result adds Odede and Gozzi to the list of Nigerians competing in the French top flight next season.

Coach Dumont expressed pride in the squad's growth and resilience throughout the long campaign. The team now prepares for the challenge of Ligue 1, where they will face higher-caliber opposition. Fans expect both Gozzi, who remains eligible for the Super Eagles, and Odede to play meaningful roles in the top division.

 

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