Nigeria's Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Linked with European Club Exit
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is reportedly set to depart Nigeria after attracting significant interest from a top European club, specifically Olympique Marseille. This development comes as the 48-year-old Franco-Malian coach has been linked with the managerial vacancy at the French giants, following the recent sacking of Roberto De Zerbi.
Chelle's Tenure and Achievements with Nigeria
Eric Chelle was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025, taking over after a challenging period in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers under previous coaches Jose Peseiro and Finidi George. During his tenure, Chelle led the Super Eagles to a bronze-medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria lost in the semifinals to hosts Morocco on penalties but secured third place by defeating Egypt.
Under his guidance, the team recorded six wins and two draws in the World Cup qualifiers, although they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing behind South Africa in CAF Group C. Additionally, Chelle won his first trophy with Nigeria in the Unity Cup final, where the Super Eagles triumphed over Jamaica on penalties, with midfielder Christantus Uche scoring the decisive kick.
Olympique Marseille's Interest and Managerial Changes
Olympique Marseille has emerged as a potential destination for Chelle, following the dismissal of Roberto De Zerbi after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on February 8, 2026. The French club, currently sitting in fourth place in Ligue 1 with 39 points, has expressed interest in Chelle as a replacement. This move aligns with Chelle's background, having previously managed lower-tier French clubs GS Consolat and FC Martigues before leading Mali to the 2023 AFCON.
Chelle has also openly expressed his ambition to become the first African coach to manage Spanish giants Real Madrid, highlighting his long-term career goals. Meanwhile, the NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has indicated that the federation is willing to wait for Chelle to complete his remaining 12-month contract before making a decision on his future, emphasizing patience and evaluation of his performance.
Implications for Nigerian Football
If Chelle departs, it could mark a significant transition for the Super Eagles, as he has been credited with stabilizing the team and achieving notable successes in a relatively short period. His potential exit raises questions about the NFF's plans for succession and the future direction of the national team, especially with upcoming competitions on the horizon.
The situation underscores the global appeal of African coaches and the increasing recognition of their capabilities on the international stage. As developments unfold, Nigerian football fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcome of these negotiations and their impact on the Super Eagles' prospects.
