The Digest:
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has emerged as a candidate for the vacant coaching position at French Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille. According to journalist Lassana Camara, Chelle is among the names under consideration following Roberto De Zerbi's departure by mutual consent on Tuesday. Senegalese coach Habib Beye, recently sacked by Stade Rennes, is also on the shortlist. Chelle's stock rose after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 48-year-old Malian tactician remains under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation until January 2027.
Key Points:
- A potential departure would disrupt the Super Eagles' technical stability ahead of crucial qualification campaigns.
- It would trigger a search for a new coach and raise questions about continuity and long-term team development.
- Chelle gains a significant career advancement opportunity, while the NFF faces a potential leadership vacuum.
- The interest from a high-profile European club validates Chelle's growing reputation on the continent.
- The timing, mid-contract, puts the NFF in a defensive position should Marseille formalise an approach.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Lassana Camara
