Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has reportedly emerged as one of the candidates being considered for the vacant managerial position at Olympique de Marseille.
The Ligue 1 giants are in the market for a new head coach following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday after a turbulent spell in charge.
According to journalist Lassana Camara, Chelle is among the names under serious consideration as Marseille begin the process of restructuring their technical crew ahead of the remainder of the season.
African Representation on Shortlist
Another African coach, Habib Beye, is also believed to be on the shortlist. Beye, a former Senegal international, was recently relieved of his duties at Stade Rennais FC after a mixed run of results.
Marseille’s interest in African tacticians reflects the growing recognition of coaching talent emerging from the continent, particularly following impressive performances by African national teams in recent tournaments.
Chelle’s Rising Profile
Chelle’s stock has risen significantly since taking charge of Nigeria. The 48-year-old enhanced his managerial reputation after guiding the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, restoring stability and competitive edge to the team.
His tactical discipline, emphasis on defensive structure, and ability to blend experienced internationals with emerging talents have drawn attention beyond Africa.
However, Chelle remains under contract with Nigeria until January 2027, meaning any formal approach from Marseille would require negotiations with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Uncertainty Over Future
While there has been no official confirmation of contact between Marseille and Chelle, the speculation is likely to spark debate among Nigerian supporters, especially with crucial international fixtures on the horizon.
For Marseille, the appointment of a new manager is considered urgent as they seek to stabilise results and push for European qualification.
Whether Chelle remains focused solely on his Super Eagles project or becomes a serious contender for the Ligue 1 role remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
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