Football: the first words in Nîmes of Simon Ngapandouetnbu, goalkeeper loaned by OM

Simon Ngapandouetnbu après son premier entraînement à la Bastide, mercredi 14 août. MIDI LIBRE – E. DZ.

It’s done! Simon Ngapandouetnbu is from Nîmes. The young and promising Cameroonian goalkeeper (21 years old, 1.86 m) is on loan for a season from OM, without a purchase option. He did his first training on Wednesday August 14 at La Bastide. Before expressing his satisfaction to Midi Libre.

The two clubs, NO and OM, had agreed on your loan for several weeks, but your club had to recruit for the goalkeeper position before letting you leave for a season. How does it feel to be here, in Nîmes??

I am very happy. I am joining a historic club, on loan, for a year. I am under contract with OM until 2026, but I needed playing time. This is an important season for me.

Simon Ngapandouetnbu with the crocodile sports director Sébastien Larcier and the coach Adil Hermach. MIDI LIBRE – E. DZ.

Nîmes and the National should allow you to have some, since you arrive with the status of number 1…

I don't arrive anywhere. Nîmes Olympique is a club that has a heritage. I have the confidence of the coach, and I have a good feeling about the team. I did the preparation with OM, I'm ready to play even if I don't know if I'll be qualified for the first match (normally no, Editor's note, Friday August 16 against Orléans).

Ready to play at the top of the table with NO, so ?

Yes, and the promotion!

You are taking over at Nîmes from another Cameroonian international goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoa. Have you called him for advice??

No, I haven't called him, but I might.

Will you play with “Simon” behind your jersey, like at OM?

No, here, we're going to put my name, Ngapandouetnbu!

Les premiers arrêts et les premiers buts encaissés par Simon Ngapandouetnbu sous le maillot de Nîmes Olympique. Le gardien camerounais de 21 ans est prêté par l’OM cette saison, pour être numéro 1 chez les Crocos. Parade, ciseau d’Abdeldjelil, il y a de la qualité ! 🐊 pic.twitter.com/5xoYCnGS3Z

— Midi Libre Sports (@MidiLibreSports) August 14, 2024

The reaction of Nîmes sports director Sébastien Larcier: “It was no secret that we were looking for a number 1 goalkeeper. Simon, we know him, we know his potential. We are very proud that he chose us, because he had other requests (Martigues in particular in L2, Editor's note). We had Marseille's agreement for several weeks, but it took time with the change of coach and the recruitment of new goalkeepers. We are delighted that he is here”. I subscribe to read the rest