Tochukwu Nnadi: 2 targets Marseille midfielder set after rejecting Nigeria call-up

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is targeting a breakthrough season at Olympique Marseille after making two important decisions about his recovery from injury.

The 23-year-old has returned to training after suffering a right knee injury during Marseille’s 2-0 defeat to AS Monaco at the end of August.

Rather than undergo surgery that could have kept him out for months, the Nigerian opted for a conservative recovery programme following discussions with medical specialists and the club’s medical staff.

Nnadi also remained in France during the October international break instead of joining Nigeria, with Marseille and the Super Eagles technical staff agreeing that he should prioritise his rehabilitation.

The decisions appear to have paid off in the short term. According to French outlet Foot01, the midfielder has returned to the group and played 45 minutes in a friendly against Montpellier, putting him back in line for some game time when Marseille return to action.

Now, with his recovery progressing, Nnadi and his entourage believe he can take an important step forward in his career this season.

Tochukwu Nnadi’s two targets at Marseille

1. Establish himself as a regular in Marseille’s midfield

Nnadi’s first objective is to secure a prominent role under Marseille coach Bruno Génésio.

The midfielder had made two substitute appearances in Ligue 1 before his injury interrupted his attempts to settle into the team. His return now presents an opportunity to restart his campaign and compete for regular minutes.

That challenge could become more manageable because Marseille are dealing with fitness concerns in midfield. Foot01 reported that Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was expected to miss the club’s trip to Troyes after picking up an injury on international duty, while Himad Abdelli was also carrying a fitness concern.

Nnadi could benefit from those absences, but he will still need to convince Génésio that he deserves a place in the starting XI. A strong return would give the Nigerian a chance to demonstrate the physicality, energy and ball-winning qualities that helped him attract Marseille’s attention.

As Afrik-Foot explained in a report on how Nnadi could benefit from Marseille’s injury crisis, the situation offers him a possible route into the team. However, taking that opportunity will be essential if he is to move beyond the substitute role he occupied before his injury.

2. Take a major step forward in his career

Foot01 revealed that the midfielder and his entourage believe he can reveal his potential this season. That ambition follows his progress in Belgium with Zulte Waregem, where his performances helped earn him a move to Marseille in February 2026.

The transfer was a big step in the 23-year-old’s development. When he joined the French club, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle welcomed the move and described it as a natural progression in the midfielder’s career.

However, joining Marseille is only one part of the journey. Nnadi must prove he can contribute in Ligue 1 rather than simply be regarded as a promising signing.

His decision to remain with the club during the international break also reflects the importance of getting his fitness and club career back on track. With his recovery progressing, the next step is to turn that preparation into increased playing time and impressive performances.

What Nnadi’s decision means for the Super Eagles

Nnadi’s absence from Nigeria’s October programme should not be interpreted as a rejection of the national team. Reports indicate that the decision was reached after discussions between the Super Eagles and Marseille, with his fitness taking priority.

For Eric Chelle, a fully fit Nnadi who is playing regularly at club level is a valuable option in midfield. For the player, establishing himself in France would, in turn, strengthen his position in future Super Eagles selections.

The priority, however, is to build on his return from injury. If Nnadi can earn a regular place at Marseille and deliver consistent performances, he will be better positioned to fulfil both his club ambitions and his international responsibilities without needing to sacrifice one for another.