Super Eagle’s Eric Chelle in line to replace sacked De Zerbi at Marseille

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Olympique Marseille following Roberto De Zerbi’s exit.

French journalist Lassana Camara reported that Chelle is among the names under consideration as the Ligue 1 side begin the search for a new head coach.

Former Marseille captain Habib Beye, recently relieved of his duties at Stade Rennais, is also said to be in contention.

“The name of Eric Chelle, coach of the Nigeria national team, is circulating to replace Roberto De Zerbi. Habib Beye, former Marseille captain recently let go by Rennes, is also among the candidates,” Camara wrote on X.

De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that left the club fourth in Ligue 1 and 12 points behind the leaders.

The Italian had joined the French side in 2024 after departing Brighton and guided them to a second-place finish last season.

NFF insists Chelle under contract

Amid the speculation, the Nigeria Football Federation has moved to clarify Chelle’s status. NFF president Ibrahim Gusau confirmed that the Franco-Malian coach remains under contract with the national team.

“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and therefore whatever anyone will show on him, he has to wait until his contract expires. We don’t want to bring any distraction to him because we understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria,” Gusau said.

Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and led Nigeria to a third-place finish in Morocco.

Decision pending at Marseille

Marseille are yet to make an official announcement regarding a replacement for De Zerbi. The club are expected to act fast as they aim to stabilise their campaign and secure Champions League qualification.

For now, Chelle remains focused on his role with Nigeria, with no formal approach publicly confirmed by either party.