PARIS (AP) Sixth-place Nice missed the chance to close the gap on the top five in the French league after being held to a 0-0 home draw by struggling Lille Sunday.
Winger Hatem Ben Arfa, who is pushing for a France recall after scoring seven league goals this season, was behind Nice's best efforts.
In the 60th minute, he embarked on one of this trademark solo runs from midfield and forced goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama into a low save.
With 10 minutes left, Ben Arfa's poorly cleared freekick fell to striker Valere Germain and after his shot was saved on the line by defender Renato Civelli, midfielder Mahamane Traore headed against the crossbar.
Zambia defender Stoppila Sunzu almost won it for Lille in stoppage time when his header was cleared off the line.
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