Tochukwu Nnadi: Chelle sends warning to Marseille boss over Nigeria star

Olympique de Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has been given a detailed briefing on what to expect from Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi following his recent arrival from Belgian side Zulte Waregem, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 22-year-old’s move to the French giants raised a few eyebrows, largely because of his limited experience in Europe’s top leagues.

Before his time in Belgium, Nnadi had only featured in Bulgaria with Botev Plovdiv, while his senior international exposure remains modest, with just two appearances for the Super Eagles.

One of those came during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, while the other was a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle watched Marseille in the Coupe de France with their new signing Tochukwu Nnadi 🇳🇬🦅 pic.twitter.com/8uxG7UUz7O

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 5, 2026

Yet despite his relatively low profile, Nnadi’s performances at youth level had already caught the eye, especially during Nigeria’s impressive run to the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He featured in all five matches, playing a key role in victories over Italy and Argentina, displays that highlighted his energy, discipline and defensive awareness in midfield.

Chelle explains Tochukwu Nnadi’s rare profile

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who handed Nnadi his senior international debut, believes Marseille have secured a player with qualities currently missing in their squad.

“He’s a player who plays a simple game, very aggressive on the ball carrier,” Chelle said on RMC Sports.

Recruited from Zulte-Waregem, the 22-year-old stands out primarily for his off-the-ball activity and defensive impact, according to his coach.

“He’s a player who plays simply; his strength is his ability to harass the ball carrier over 15-20 meters. He’s capable of winning the ball back from opponents’ feet. He’s not someone who will cut off passing lanes; he’s very aggressive,” Chelle said of his young midfielder.

Chelle added that Nnadi offers something different to Marseille’s current midfield options.

“There isn’t this type of player at OM today; he’s not a player who will dictate the tempo of the match. Nnadi will bring that aggression to the midfield. An atypical profile at 1.76m, which will offer a range of options in the Marseille squad,” Chelle concluded.

After missing the clash against Rennais, Nnadi has already made the matchday squad, travelling for Sunday’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, though he is yet to make his debut.

With Marseille hosting Strasbourg at the Vélodrome this Saturday, De Zerbi may now be tempted to unleash his energetic new recruit as the club look to inject bite and intensity into their midfield.