Nnadi: Marseille coach hints Super Eagles star may play unfamiliar role vs Nantes

Olympique de Marseille head coach Habib Beye has suggested that Nigeria international Tochukwu Nnadi could be used in an unfamiliar role when his side travel to face FC Nantes this weekend, Afrik-Foot reports.

Marseille head into Saturday’s Ligue 1 matchday 32 fixture knowing the stakes are high at both ends of the table. The visitors are pushing for a European place, while Nantes are fighting hard to avoid relegation. With just three matches left, every decision matters.

One key absence is Timothy Weah, who is suspended after picking up five yellow cards. His absence leaves a big gap on the right side, where he has been used as both a winger and a wing-back this season.

Beye admitted he has several options to replace him, including players like Hamed Traorè and others within the squad.

However, he revealed that Nnadi, naturally a defensive midfielder, is firmly in his thinking for the role.

“Right flank? We have several options,” Beye said via MZ. “Traoré and (Tochukwu) Nnadi have a lot of energy. You’ll see the option we’ve chosen on Saturday.”

The coach’s growing trust in Nnadi comes after the young Nigerian impressed on his first start for Marseille in last weekend’s clash against OGC Nice.

Marseille: Weah backs Nnadi to step up

While Beye kept his cards close, suspended winger Weah may have revealed more than intended by openly backing Nnadi to take his place in the starting line-up.

“Who’s going to replace me with my suspension?” Weah said.

“There are plenty of players. Nnadi, he’s going to do the team a lot of good, he’s quick. We all saw him in the last match. I see him perfectly filling that role.”

The 22-year-old has settled since arriving from Belgian side Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window. His performance against Nice showed both his attacking and defensive qualities.

Nnadi played 80 minutes in that game and made a decisive impact in the 66th minute, delivering a precise cross that led to a headed goal from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. He also recorded 69 touches, completed 85 percent of his passes, and contributed with key defensive actions.

Weah has been particularly impressed by the Nigerian’s attitude and work ethic in training.

“Nnadi? He’s well integrated into the team. He doesn’t talk much but he’s really strong in training,” Weah added. “I hope to see him in the big matches, he’s going to keep making us thrilled.”

Marseille currently sit sixth in Ligue 1 with 53 points. They are four points behind the top four and still chasing a UEFA Champions League spot, while also trying to stay ahead of rivals like AS Monaco in the race for European qualification.