Chelle warned against Marseille move as Super Eagles progress delights ex-Monaco star

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is being linked with the vacant coaching job at French giants Olympique Marseille following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, Afrik-Foot reports.

For Chelle, a successful spell in Marseille could bring him closer to his long-term ambition of one day managing Real Madrid. But not everyone believes the move would be a wise one.

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has urged Chelle to stay focused on his work with the Nigeria national football team.

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle is now a potential option for Ligue 1 giants, Olympic Marseille following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.

Just being linked to top European jobs like this shows how much his stock has risen with the Super Eagles.

I’m happy for him. pic.twitter.com/a9IoxCNGaG

— SportsDokitor (Odogwu👆) (@sportsdokitor) February 11, 2026

The 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist warns that Marseille is a club known for having little patience with managers.

Ikpeba, who once played in France with AS Monaco, believes the pressure in Marseille can be overwhelming.

“If I were to personally advise Eric Chelle, I will tell him not to consider the Olympique Marseille job because they quickly lose patience with the coach when things are not going well,” Ikpeba told SCORENigeria.

“They are no doubt a very big club, but they don’t take kindly to any excuses when things are not going well.

“It’s the same with their fans. They can’t stand a defeat.”

Super Eagles progress under Chelle

Ikpeba feels Chelle should instead build on the positive work he has already started with Nigeria, especially after leading the team to third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He praised the attacking football played by the Super Eagles, who finished as the tournament’s top-scoring team with 14 goals.

“My advice to Eric Chelle would be for him to get a new contract with the Super Eagles and continue to build his profile, which has been enhanced since the AFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria played some beautiful attacking football resulting in the team emerging highest scoring side with 14 goals in the African showpiece.”

Chelle is currently believed to earn around $55,000 per month, with talks expected over an improved deal when his contract approaches its final months.

Interest is also said to be coming from Tunisia, Guinea and Angola, with reports suggesting the Tunisian Football Federation is ready to offer him double his current salary.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are planning international friendlies in March, starting with a match against Jordan national football team in Amman. Another game against Iran is also being discussed.

However, Nigeria’s participation depends on a FIFA decision regarding a protest involving Democratic Republic of Congo.

Jordan are preparing for their first-ever World Cup appearance and have been drawn in a tough group alongside Argentina, Algeria and Austria.