Tochukwu Nnadi reveals what Olympique Marseille fans should expect in first words

Ligue 1 giants Olympique Marseille have secured Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side Zulte Waregem, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The defensive midfielder arrives in Marseille after an impressive season in Belgium and a breakthrough at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he earned his first senior Super Eagles call-up.

Despite interest from Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Marseille acted decisively to land his signature ahead of the winter transfer deadline.

Tochukwu Nnadi’s first words in Marseille

The 22-year-old midfielder who represented Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has wasted no time in expressing his intentions.

Speaking on his first day in France in a video shared by La MinuteOM, Nnadi said:

“I'm happy to be here. It's my first day in France. I'm here to play football and fight for the team. This is my ambition here.”

Watch what Tochukwu Nnadi said here:

🚨🚨Les premiers mots de Tochukwu Nnadi 🇳🇬 à son arrivée :

“Je suis content d’être ici. C’est mon premier jour en France. Je veux jouer au football et me battre pour l’équipe.”#TeamOM #MercatOM

🎥 @LaMinuteOM_ pic.twitter.com/ZQMqcXP1dn

— La Minute OM (@LaMinuteOM_) February 2, 2026

Joining a squad featuring stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in Marseille’s bid to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.

The Ihiagwa-born midfielder can operate as a defensive or central midfielder. His journey began in Owerri before moving to the Madenat Alamal Football Academy in Bulgaria and later four seasons with Botev Plovdiv. Nnadi then joined Zulte Waregem in January 2024, where standout performances propelled him onto the international stage.

Nnadi to Olympique Marseille: Full transfer breakdown

Marseille paid a reported €6 million (₦10.3 billion) for Nnadi, which makes him the fourth-most expensive outgoing player in Zulte Waregem’s history, as his market value had been around €2 million prior to the move.

The deal was finalised on the winter transfer deadline day, with Nnadi arriving in France for medicals and to complete formalities immediately.