Tochukwu Nnadi: Super Eagles midfielder makes clear stance on Marseille future

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has weighed in on his future at Olympique Marseille ahead of the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nnadi joined the French club from Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window in a deal worth around €6 million, but his start to life has been far from straightforward. The 22-year-old initially struggled for playing time and managed just 34 minutes across his first four appearances, casting doubts on his future at the club.

Despite that difficult start, things have improved for the Nigerian midfielder in recent weeks. Nnadi made his first start for Marseille in the 1-1 draw against OGC Nice last month and made an instant impact by providing the assist for his side’s only goal.

He was then handed another start in last weekend’s defeat to Nantes, where he was deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role and his recent performances suggest he is gradually becoming an important part of the team.

Tochukwu Nnadi eyes long-term stay at Marseille

Marseille will travel to face Le Havre on Sunday in their penultimate Ligue 1 game of the season, hoping for a win to keep their push for European qualification alive.

Tochukwu Nnadi will hope to keep his place in the starting lineup after impressing in recent weeks and the Super Eagles midfielder has now revealed his desire to remain at the French club despite rumours of a possible exit in the summer.

“Staying at the commandy is the same for me as being at home, because I live alone. It’s a decision by the director, we are football players, we have to accept it”, Nnadi said, via L’Equipe.

“As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think there’s much pressure, it’s the reality of the facts. We have to live things to the fullest, have fun, work hard and that’s it. I feel good, I play, so it’s the most important thing for me.

“I am happy to be here, I am grateful for every opportunity I can have. As a player, I think it’s really nice to play at the Velodrome and I want to be able to do it as much as possible. I don’t know my future, but I want to stay and prove that I belong to this club, that I deserve to be here. I think I’ve come through the most difficult period”, the 22-year-old added.

Marseille are winless in their last three league outings which has seen them drop down the standings and must now win their final two league matches, starting with Sunday’s encounter against Le Havre, to stand any chance of finishing in an European qualification spot.

However, Nnadi revealed that the players remain fully committed to finishing the season strongly and securing qualification for Europe.

“This is the situation we are in now, but we continue to work hard. We spent four nights here, I think there’s a reason for that.

“Right now, the only thing we can do is stay united. For the last two games, I can’t promise anything, but I can just say that we will go back on the field to fight and get the result”, the Super Eagles midfielder concluded.

Although Nnadi’s future at Marseille looked uncertain earlier in the year due to his limited opportunities, recent performances and his desire to stay could now open the door for a much bigger role next season.

For now, the Super Eagles midfielder will be focused on making the most of his opportunities in Marseille’s final two matches as the club continue their pursuit of European football.