Chelle in Discussions With Marseille as NFF Insists on 2027 Commitment

Chelle in Discussions With Marseille as NFF Insists on 2027 Commitment

By Admin 

Olympique de Marseille have opened discussions with Éric Chelle as the French club begins its search for a new head coach following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.

According to French outlet La Provence, talks have taken place between Marseille officials and Chelle, who is currently in charge of Nigeria’s national team. De Zerbi’s exit was confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting the Ligue 1 side to accelerate efforts to appoint a successor.

La Provence reported that, in addition to former Marseille defender Habib Beye, Chelle has been approached as part of the club’s managerial shortlist. The report added that the Nigeria coach is enthusiastic about the possibility of taking charge at the Stade Vélodrome, describing the opportunity as a professional ambition.

French sports daily L'Équipe also reported on February 11, 2026, that Chelle has been proposed internally as a potential replacement for De Zerbi.

Chelle, a Franco-Malian tactician, enhanced his reputation after guiding Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His tenure with the Super Eagles has been marked by an emphasis on attacking football and youth development — qualities reportedly attractive to Marseille’s hierarchy.

Despite the speculation, the Nigeria Football Federation has maintained that Chelle remains under contract until 2027 and is fully committed to the national team project.

The coming weeks are expected to clarify whether Marseille will formalize their interest and whether Nigeria will be forced to negotiate over the future of their head coach.