“May work against Eric Chelle” – Expert details Marseille move for Super Eagles boss

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is among the leading candidates being considered by Olympique de Marseille to replace Roberto De Zerbi, Afrik Foot reports.

Meanwhile, French football expert Romain Lantheaume has warned that key factors could work against the Malian tactician’s chances.

While Chelle has attracted positive attention following Nigeria’s impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, questions remain over whether Marseille will prioritise experience in Ligue 1 over recent international success as they search for a new manager.

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

Eric Chelle, Beye and Conceicao on Marseille shortlist

According to football expert and Coordinator at Top Mercato and Afrik-Foot, Chelle is one of three main names under consideration by OM.

“Eric Chelle is among the three favourites being considered for the position of OM coach, along with Habib Beye, who appears to be the frontrunner, and Sergio Conceicao, who is more difficult to recruit because he is tied to Al-Ittihad,” Lantheaume said.

However, the French analyst believes Marseille’s preference for a coach with domestic league experience could count against the Super Eagles boss.

“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.”

Marseille are currently without a head coach following De Zerbi’s exit, with the club forced into urgent decision-making ahead of their next Ligue 1 fixture.

Benatia affected by De Zerbi exit as fans warm to Chelle

Lantheaume also revealed that De Zerbi’s departure has had a major impact internally, particularly on sporting director Medhi Benatia, who had strongly backed the Italian coach.

“For now, part of OM is still reeling from De Zerbi’s departure, notably sporting director Medhi Benatia, who had tied his future to that of the coach and is said to be very affected and now taking a back seat in the decision-making process.

“So let’s wait for OM to get its head back in the game and see what happens.”

Despite uncertainty at the board level, Chelle appears to be gaining support among Marseille supporters, partly due to his growing reputation following AFCON 2025.

“As for the fans’ opinion, I’m surprised to see so many positive comments about Chelle. I almost feel like I’m reading more about him than about Beye, whose failure at Rennes may have tarnished his image.

“He is from the region, and the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments have given him a likeable and positive image among French fans who follow the tournament.”

Chelle recently led Nigeria to a third-place finish at AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles ended as the tournament’s highest-scoring side with 14 goals, which has earned him praise for their attacking football.

However, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has already confirmed that Chelle remains under contract with the Super Eagles and is expected to stay in charge for now, despite growing interest from Europe.