Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emerged as a possible replacement for Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille following the Italian manager’s departure from the French club.
Marseille confirmed on Wednesday that De Zerbi left by mutual consent after a disappointing run of results, capped by a humiliating 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The slump saw the club slide to fourth in Ligue 1 and crash out of the UEFA Champions League, prompting an urgent search for new leadership.
Multiple reports in France suggest Chelle is now on Marseille’s shortlist.
France-based Nigerian journalist Babatunde Ojora disclosed that the Franco-Malian coach had been recommended to the club by intermediaries in recent days.
“Nigeria head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has emerged as a potential candidate for Olympique de Marseille,” Ojora posted on X.
Chelle was recently spotted at the Orange Vélodrome, where Marseille recorded a dominant 3–0 win over Rennes to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Coupe de France, further fuelling speculation over his potential appointment.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation has moved quickly to downplay the rumours.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau insisted Chelle remains fully committed to his role with the Super Eagles and is still under contract.
“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and any interest will have to wait,” Gusau said. “It’s not just about money. He has results with Nigeria and believes strongly in what we’re building with the Super Eagles.”
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Chelle’s reputation has soared since guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
His success has attracted attention from several countries, including Tunisia, Guinea, Angola and Mali, where he previously worked.
Reports indicate Tunisian officials are prepared to offer Chelle a monthly salary of around $100,000, but Gusau stressed that financial incentives alone would not sway the coach.
“He enjoys working with Nigeria and believes he can achieve his dreams here,” Gusau added. “He has so much faith in the Super Eagles.”
For now, Chelle remains in charge of Nigeria’s national team, even as interest in his services continues to grow across Africa and Europe.