4 reasons Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle would be perfect for Marseille

With Olympique de Marseille searching for a new head coach after Roberto De Zerbi’s exit, Eric Chelle’s name is quietly growing louder, Afrik-Foot reports.

Currently in charge of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Chelle may not be the flashiest option on Marseille’s list, but when you look closely, he might be exactly what the French club need right now.

Here are four big reasons why the former defender could be a perfect fit at the Vélodrome.

1. He understands Marseille; not from TV, but from real life

Chelle is not a stranger to southern French football.

He trained in Arles, played for Martigues and Istres, and began his coaching journey with Marseille Consolat before leading Martigues for four years. That means he knows the pressure of the fans, the passion of the city, and the unique mentality of football in Provence.

Many foreign coaches struggle to adapt to Marseille’s emotional environment. Chelle wouldn’t. He already speaks the football language of the region. For a club where culture matters as much as tactics, that is a massive advantage.

2. His attacking football fits Marseille perfectly

With Nigeria, Chelle transformed a usually disjointed team into one of the most exciting attacking sides in Africa.

At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and attacked with confidence and freedom. They finished third but more importantly, they were the tournament’s most dangerous attacking team.

Rather than tearing down De Zerbi’s ideas, Chelle would build on them, adding speed, intensity and directness that Marseille fans love. Fast football. Brave football. Front-foot football. That’s Marseille DNA.

3. He knows how to handle big stars and big egos

International football is full of strong personalities and Chelle has managed them well.

With Nigeria and Mali, he worked successfully with stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, keeping dressing rooms focused and united. That experience matters at Marseille, where pressure is constant and personalities are strong.

If Chelle can manage global stars for a nation of 200 million people, guiding club stars like Mason Greenwood, Aubameyang or Pavard will not scare him. Calm authority. Clear ideas. Respect from players. That’s what he brings.

4. He connects naturally with fans and atmosphere

Marseille is one of French football’s most traditional and passionately supported clubs. Chelle knows this and his nature and personality mirror this.

The Malian’s leadership style is modern but human. He builds trust, communicates clearly, and uses passion as fuel rather than pressure.

His southern roots would help him connect instantly with supporters, turning the intensity of the Vélodrome into positive energy instead of chaos. For Marseille’s owners, that’s gold: a coach who can unite players, fans and club identity.

Chelle to Marseille: One complication

Nigeria have made it clear that they do not want to lose Chelle while he has called coaching the Super Eagles a dream job. At the same time, he has openly spoken about another dream: one day managing Real Madrid.

To reach that level, he likely needs to manage a few top clubs in Europe. Marseille could be the perfect stepping stone.

A short-term deal until the end of the season could even work, especially with Nigeria having no major competitive matches for months.

But football politics (the Super Eagles are still looking to qualify for the World Cup qualifiers through the backdoors) and international schedules could still complicate everything.

In all, Eric Chelle may not be the loudest name on Marseille’s shortlist but he could be the smartest. If Marseille want stability with ambition, emotion with structure, and passion with modern tactics, Chelle might just be the perfect match.

The next few hours could be very interesting indeed as Marseille and Chelle make the decisions that could shape the next phase of their lives.