The high-octane encounter, played on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at RAMS Park in Istanbul, saw the 21-year-old defender deployed as a starter. Nagida made the most of his 74 minutes on the pitch before being substituted, showcasing both defensive maturity and sharp offensive instincts.
🎯 The Decisive Assist
The match was a rollercoaster of attacking football, with both teams trading blows from the opening whistle. Nagida’s standout moment arrived in the second half:
- The Setup: In the 58th minute, with Rennes trailing, Nagida pushed high up his flank and delivered a perfectly timed, pinpoint cross into the penalty area.
- The Finish: French forward Esteban Lepaul connected beautifully with Nagida’s delivery to slot home the equalizer, making the score 2-2.
- The Impact: The assist catalyzed a frantic second-half scoring surge, with Lepaul going on to complete a spectacular hat-trick just three minutes later.
Staking a Claim in the Rennes First XI
Nagida’s highly active display in Turkey sends a strong message to Stade Rennais manager Julien Stéphan ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign. Having battled for consistent minutes with French youth international Quentin Merlin, Nagida’s elite crossing ability and tactical discipline are proving he is fully ready to contest a permanent starting spot.
Rennes will wrap up their summer preparations this week, looking to iron out defensive lapses before their domestic league opener later this month.
