Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Gains Significant Support for Olympique Marseille Vacancy
Olympique de Marseille finds itself urgently searching for a new manager following the mutual departure of Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club after a devastating 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain. This crushing loss exposed significant instability at the Orange Velodrome, forcing the French club's hierarchy to act swiftly in their recruitment process.
Eric Chelle Emerges as Top Contender for Prestigious Role
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has emerged as a prominent candidate for the Olympique de Marseille managerial position, despite being under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation until January 2027. The Malian-born coach has garnered attention from French football observers following his successful tenure with Nigeria's national team.
Chelle guided the Super Eagles to an impressive third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, earning widespread praise for implementing an attacking style of play while significantly improving the team's defensive organization. His tactical approach was particularly evident during Nigeria's run to the semifinals of the continental tournament.
Nicolas Usai Publicly Endorses Chelle's Candidacy
Former Nimes manager Nicolas Usai has added substantial weight to Chelle's candidacy by openly endorsing him as a serious option for Marseille. Speaking on a French football program, Usai acknowledged the experience of other candidates like Hervé Renard and Bruno Genesio but emphasized that Chelle's recent achievements should not be overlooked.
According to reports from All Nigeria Soccer, Usai specifically highlighted Chelle's demonstrated ability to manage elite-level players such as Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as compelling evidence of his readiness for the demanding environment of a top European club. This player management skill is considered crucial for any manager taking over at Marseille.
Chelle's Unique Qualifications Strengthen His Case
The 47-year-old coach possesses several unique qualifications that strengthen his candidacy for the Marseille position:
- French Citizenship: Chelle holds French citizenship through his father, providing him with cultural familiarity and language proficiency
- Playing Experience: He enjoyed a substantial playing career in France with clubs including Lens and Valenciennes
- Cultural Bridge: His background positions him as a bridge between different football cultures, a trait Marseille has historically valued in managerial appointments
- International Success: His recent achievements with the Super Eagles demonstrate tactical adaptability and tournament management skills
Competitive Managerial Race Despite Endorsement
Despite Usai's strong endorsement, the race for the Marseille managerial position remains highly competitive and crowded with alternatives. According to reports from One Football, former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was reportedly approached but declined the opportunity, unconvinced by the conditions offered by the French club.
Owner Frank McCourt is understood to be particularly keen on restoring stability to the club following a turbulent period marked by De Zerbi's departure and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the sporting director role. This desire for stability could influence the final appointment decision.
Alternative Candidates and Recent Developments
Fresh reports from Yahoo Sports suggest that Habib Beye, the former Marseille defender, is close to being confirmed as the next head coach, pending formal clearance from his current club Stade Rennais. Beye is believed to have accepted a short-term deal, which could facilitate quicker negotiations at a time when Marseille urgently needs direction.
In a significant development, the Nigeria Football Federation has issued a strong warning to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle amid reported interest from other African nations and clubs, including Olympique de Marseille. The 48-year-old was appointed in January 2025 following the dismissal of Jose Peseiro and the resignation of Finidi George after Nigeria's poor performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The NFF's warning underscores their desire to retain Chelle's services as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign and prepare for future international tournaments. This creates a potential conflict between club and country interests that could complicate any potential move to Marseille.
As the managerial search continues, Eric Chelle's combination of international success, player management skills, and cultural familiarity with French football makes him a compelling candidate for Olympique de Marseille, though significant obstacles remain before any appointment could be finalized.
