Nigeria’s presence in European football will have two fresh faces in France’s top flight next season after Elijah Odede and Paolo Gozzi helped ESTAC Troyes secure promotion to Ligue 1 in emphatic fashion, Soccernet.ng reports.
The club sealed their return on Saturday, April 25, with a commanding 3-0 win over AS Saint-Étienne at the iconic Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. The result confirmed a top-two finish for Troyes in Ligue 2 with two games to spare, ending a three-year wait to rejoin the elite.
The historic moment carried extra meaning for Troyes. Just two seasons ago, they were staring at disaster after a poor campaign left them in the Ligue 2 relegation zone. They were only spared a drop to the third tier due to administrative changes following financial issues elsewhere. From that low point, head coach Stéphane Dumont rebuilt the squad into one of the most balanced and consistent sides in the division.
Their promotion-clinching night reflected that progress. Tawfik Bentayeb’s 18th goal of the season set the tone, while a disciplined defensive display ensured Saint-Étienne never found a way back. It was a complete performance, fitting for a team that has grown steadily stronger across the campaign.
Nigerian duo play key roles in Troyes revival
While the headlines will focus on promotion, the contributions of Odede and Gozzi will interest Nigerian fans who now have two more compatriots to watch in Ligue aside from Paris FC's Moses Simon and Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem.
Gozzi has been one of the team’s most reliable defenders. The former Genoa player, who came through the Juventus youth system, made 14 league appearances this term. He, however, suffered a season-ending broken fibula injury in November that ended his contributions for Troyes.
The 25-year-old joined Troyes in 2024 after spells at Genoa, Red Star FC, Pescara, Cosenza, Fuenlabrada, and Juventus U23.
Whether deployed as a left-sided centre-back or full-back, his positioning and physical presence helped Troyes maintain one of the tighter defences in the league.
An Italian youth international, he remains eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level if he decides to play for the three-time African champions.
Odede’s role has been different but no less important.
Born in Ogbomosho in present day Oyo State, Odede was nurtured at prestigious Nigerian academy, Icon Allah FA, before leaving for Europe to join Moldova's FC Sheriff in February 2025. Seven months later, he was signed by Troyes after impressing in the Super League, the Europa League qualifying series and the Conference League qualifiers.
At just 19, the winger has been introduced carefully into French football after his move from Sheriff Tiraspol. Used mainly as an impact substitute, he provided pace and directness late in matches, especially against tired defenders.
His standout early contribution came in a thrilling 5-2 win over Guingamp, where he burst forward in the 80th minute to set up a decisive goal. Moments like that showed why the coaching staff see him as a long-term asset.
Together, the Nigerian duo represent two sides of Troyes’ success: Gozzi the dependable defender, Odede the exciting young attacker. Both players, linked by Nigerian heritage, now step onto a bigger stage as Troyes prepare for life back in Ligue 1.
