Will Eric Chelle Leave the Super Eagles? Nigeria Coach Emerges as Candidate for Olympique Marseille Job

 

​The international football community is abuzz with reports that Éric Chelle, the current head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles, has emerged as a top candidate for the vacant managerial position at French Ligue 1 giants, Olympique Marseille (OM). This development, confirmed on February 11, 2026, follows the sudden departure of Roberto De Zerbi, who left the French club by mutual consent after a string of disappointing results, including a humiliating 5-0 loss to arch-rivals PSG.

​The Search for De Zerbi’s Successor

​Olympique Marseille finds itself at a crossroads. After the "De Zerbi era" ended abruptly, the club's leadership, including President Pablo Longoria, is scouting for a tactician who understands the French football landscape and can handle the high-pressure environment of the Stade Vélodrome.

​While several names are being mentioned, including former Marseille player Habib Beye, the inclusion of Éric Chelle has caught many by surprise—especially the Nigerian football faithful. Chelle, who is a Malian-French citizen, has deep roots in French football, having spent his entire playing career in the country with clubs like Lens and Valenciennes.

​Why Eric Chelle is in High Demand

​Chelle’s stock has risen exponentially following his impressive stint with the Nigeria Super Eagles. Since taking over in January 2025, he has transformed the Nigerian national team into a disciplined and tactically flexible unit. His crowning achievement so far remains guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish (Bronze medal) at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

​Key reasons for Marseille's interest include:

• ​Tactical Versatility: Chelle’s ability to maximize the potential of superstars like Victor Osimhen has not gone unnoticed.
• ​Knowledge of Ligue 1: Having played over 300 matches in French football, he possesses the "DNA" that Marseille often looks for in a coach.
• ​Recent Success: His performance with Nigeria has proven that he can manage high-profile egos and deliver results under immense national pressure.

​The NFF Stance: Will They Let Him Go?

​The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently in a difficult position. Only weeks ago, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, reassured fans that "Eric Chelle is not going anywhere." The federation has been working on a long-term project aimed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and losing the head coach mid-way through the qualifiers would be a significant blow.

​However, the allure of a club like Olympique Marseille is difficult for any coach to ignore. Chelle has previously expressed his dream of coaching at the highest level of European football, even recently mentioning Real Madrid as his ultimate ambition. A move to Marseille would be a massive stepping stone toward that goal.

​Rival Candidates: The Habib Beye Factor

​While Chelle is a strong contender, he is not the only African-linked coach on the shortlist. Habib Beye, who was recently sacked by Stade Rennes, is currently considered the frontrunner for the OM job. Beye is a former Marseille captain and is deeply loved by the fans. His availability as a free agent makes him a more straightforward appointment compared to Chelle, who would require a contract buyout from the NFF.

​Impact on the Super Eagles

​Should Chelle decide to move to France, the Super Eagles would be left searching for their fourth coach in three years. With the World Cup qualifiers reaching a critical stage, Nigerian fans are rightfully concerned. The chemistry Chelle has built with the players, particularly the integration of new talents like Tochukwu Nnadi (who, ironically, recently joined Marseille), has been a breath of fresh air for Nigerian football.

​Conclusion: A Testing Time for Nigeria and Marseille

​The coming days will be decisive. Will Éric Chelle choose to continue his "mission" with the Super Eagles and lead them to the 2026 World Cup, or will the siren call of the Stade Vélodrome be too loud to ignore? For Marseille, the choice of the next manager will define their season. For Nigeria, it could define their decade.