Soccer
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has emerged as a potential candidate for the Olympique de Marseille managerial job after being recommended by intermediaries in recent days, Soccernet.ng can exclusively report.
This decision comes after Marseille decided to part ways with Roberto De Zerbi last night, following their humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the league.
Although no formal approach has been made, sources close to the situation told Soccernet.ng that Chelle’s name is among those discussed internally as the Ligue 1 side continues their search for a new head coach to replace Roberto de Zerbi, with several candidates under consideration.
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Soccer Eric Chelle emerges as a potential candidate for OM
Soccernet.ng understands that Chelle’s profile has been put forward to Marseille through intermediaries, with the French club compiling a shortlist of possible options ahead of the end of the season.
The Super Eagles boss is currently free from international duties until later in the year, making him available should Marseille decide to accelerate their recruitment process.
However, Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia is yet to initiate direct contact with Chelle, with the club still weighing up multiple candidates for the role.
Former Marseille captain and current Rennes coach Habib Beye remains the leading favourite for the job at this stage, according to sources familiar with the process.
Belmadi & Chelle to battle for Olympique de Marseille job
Former Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi is also firmly in the frame for the Marseille position and is considered one of Chelle’s main rivals for the role.
Interestingly, both Belmadi and Chelle currently reside in Martigues, a town just a few kilometres from Marseille, putting them near the Stade Vélodrome.
Belmadi, who led Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019, is seen as a strong candidate for the role.
Why Chelle is considered a candidate
Sources told Soccernet.ng that Chelle’s candidacy is partly influenced by his current availability and location, with the Nigerian coach based in Martigues, around 10 kilometres from Marseille’s stadium.
Chelle was recently spotted watching Tochukwu Nnadi in action, but did not discuss anything with Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
His impressive work with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third and ended the tournament as the highest-scoring side, has also strengthened his growing reputation in European football circles.
Nigeria scored 14 goals in six matches at AFCON 2025 and was widely considered one of the most entertaining teams in the competition.
Nigeria head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle has emerged as a potential candidate for Olympique de Marseille after being recommended by intermediaries in recent days. pic.twitter.com/c06sJXyopl
— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) February 11, 2026
NFF boss confirms Chelle will stay
Despite the growing interest, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has publicly confirmed that Chelle will remain in charge of the Super Eagles.
Gusau revealed that Chelle still has one year left on his contract and is not under any obligation to leave before its expiration.
“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and therefore, whatever anyone will show on him, he has to wait until his contract expires,” Gusau said.
“We don’t want to distract him because we understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria and believes he can achieve his ambitions with the Super Eagles.”
With Gusau’s declaration, it appears Chelle will continue as Super Eagles coach for the foreseeable future, even as speculation over a potential move to Marseille continues to gather steam across the Nigerian football community.
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