‘I made a career decision’ – Chelle opens up on Marseille interest, Super Eagles future

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the circumstances surrounding reports linking him with the vacant managerial position at Olympique de Marseille, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician insists he never personally contacted the Ligue 1 side.

Speculation emerged after Marseille parted company with Roberto De Zerbi earlier this year, sparking widespread rumours that Chelle had actively pursued the role. The French-born Malian coach was reportedly among names discussed in connection with the vacancy before the club eventually appointed former Senegal international Habib Beye.

Chelle has now clarified the situation, stressing that any contact with Marseille came through his representatives rather than from him directly.

“Look, I had absolutely no contact with the Olympique de Marseille leadership,” Chelle said in a recent interview.

He explained that he recently signed with a new sports agency as part of plans to develop his coaching career.

“I think what happened is that I recently signed with a sports agency, with the goal of progressing and growing as a coach. I made a career decision to commit to this agency, it's a people-first agency with a vision I identified with.

“So, my agents decided, as all agents do, to sound out certain clubs in Europe and particularly in France. At that point, OM were looking for a manager. My agency reached out to the club to, I believe, put my name forward. And that's as far as it went on my end. Whether I was on a shortlist or not, whether there were rumours or not, I personally had no contact.

“You'd have to ask my agent whether he was in touch and where I stood on that list, if I was on it at all. But I said nothing, I did nothing. I never communicated that I was in contact with them.”

Marseille fan Chelle reaffirms commitment to Super Eagles

Despite acknowledging admiration for Marseille, Chelle insisted the speculation should not be interpreted as a desire to leave his current role with Nigeria.

“Now, it's true that since I'm from France, when I chat with a couple of friends, they ask me: ‘Eric, we see you're in Marseille, would you like to coach here?'

“I used to be an Olympique de Marseille supporter because I played a few matches in that stadium with the Ultras and if someone asks me that question, I'll honestly say: yes, I'd love to manage OM.

“Of course. But no, I never communicated about it publicly. I never asked for anyone to communicate about it either.

“They're a passionate club with an enormous fanbase. There's so much excitement around this club, and the rumour took on a life of its own through social media and eventually reached Nigeria. And that's really the whole story.”

Chelle also moved quickly to reassure supporters that he remains fully committed to the Super Eagles project.

The coach, who guided Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, confirmed preparations are already underway for upcoming international fixtures.

“Of course I am still the manager of Nigeria,” Chelle added.

“I have one year left on my contract. In fact, just yesterday I was on a video call with my technical staff to finalize the squad list for the March matches. So yes, I am still very much the manager of Nigeria.”

Nigeria are scheduled to face Jordan and Iran next month at a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman.