Chelle, Conceição, Beye: Where Super Eagles boss stands in Marseille’s shortlist

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille, Afrik Foot reports.

However, French reports suggest he now ranks behind Habib Beye and Sergio Conceição in the club’s shortlist.

Despite his success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and proximity to Marseille, Chelle faces stiff competition from coaches with more Ligue 1 and European club experience.

As a result, Chelle’s chances of becoming OM’s next head coach appear to be narrowing, with the Super Eagles boss reportedly ranked third in the club’s search to replace Zerbi.

Beye and Conceição ahead of Chelle in Marseille race

According to L’Équipe, Beye is the frontrunner for the OM job. The former Marseille captain is available after leaving Rennes and is highly regarded internally, with strong ties to the club and a desire to return.

EXCL 🚨

Yes, Eric Chelle has been considered a potential candidate to replace Roberto de Zerbi as first called by @ojbsports.

Meanwhile, speaking to my sources, here is more:

– Chelle & ex-Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi both live near Marseille, with the Super Eagles coach… pic.twitter.com/qcEGTQ5QKA

— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) February 11, 2026

Conceição also ranks ahead of Chelle, but his contract with Al-Ittihad, a €4.5 million release clause, and concerns over temperament complicate a potential move.

Despite Chelle’s recent success with Nigeria—leading the Super Eagles to a third-place finish and 14 goals at AFCON 2025—French reports point to his limited European club-level experience, which may be affecting his standing in Marseille’s decision-making process.

Eric Chelle’s candidacy

La Provence earlier reports that discussions have taken place with Chelle, who has expressed enthusiasm for the Marseille project.

The 48-year-old coach currently lives in Martigues, just 10 km from the stadium, and is free of international duties until the end of the season, which makes him available as a potential interim solution.

However, media experts suggest that OM are leaning toward managers familiar with Ligue 1, which could work against Chelle’s appointment. Romain Lantheaume, football expert at Top Mercato, said to Afrik Foot:

“It is said that OM is looking for an experienced coach who is familiar with Ligue 1, which may work against Eric Chelle, whose experience as a club coach is more limited. For now, part of OM is still reeling from De Zerbi’s departure… So let’s wait for OM to get its head back in the game and see what happens. As for the fans’ opinion, I’m surprised to see so many positive comments about Chelle… The last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments have given him a likeable and positive image among French fans who follow the tournament.”

Wider Olympique Marseille shortlist

The shortlist has expanded beyond the initial trio. Former OM coach Igor Tudor has supporters within the club, despite leaving after just one season, while Christophe Galtier is also under consideration, though he remains contracted at Neom in Saudi Arabia until 2027.

NFF confirms Chelle will stay

Back in Nigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Chelle remains under contract. NFF president Ibrahim Gusau said:

“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.” Soccernet.ng earlier reports.

With Beye and Conceição currently leading the charge, Chelle now appears to be an outsider in the Marseille race — an odd twist for a coach who only days ago was seen as a strong contender for the French top-flight job.