Marseille 1-0 Auxerre: Tochukwu Nnadi makes cameo as Gouiri goal seals deal for Phocéens

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi featured for Marseille in their hard-fought 1-0 win over Auxerre on Friday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Marseille returned to Ligue 1 action with a fixture against relegation-threatened Auxerre at the Stade Vélodrome. Given the 27-point gap between the two sides, the Phocéens were the favorites to claim all three points, especially with the home advantage.

​However, Marseille initially failed to live up to expectations. they were quite blunt in the first half, managing just three attempts on goal.

​It was in the second half that they truly started to take charge of the game. The Phocéens began attacking with purpose and creating more clear-cut chances.

​But they had to wait until the 79th minute to find the vital goal. It came through Amine Gouiri, who reacted quickest to a rebound in the area and stabbed the ball into the net.

​That goal set the game up for a frenetic finish as Auxerre pushed forward in search of an equalizer. In the 87th minute, the visitors thought they had drawn level after Bryan Okoh put the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

​Super Eagles star Nnadi was introduced in the third minute of stoppage time to provide an extra body in midfield.

He looked sharp during his brief cameo and ultimately helped Marseille see out the 1-0 victory.

​Why Is Tochukwu Nnadi Not Starting For Marseille?

​Tochukwu Nnadi joined Marseille from Belgian club Zulte Waregem in January, but he is yet to pin down a regular starting spot.

​This isn't much of a surprise, however, as Marseille currently rely on Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Geoffrey Kondogbia as the “two musketeers” in midfield.

​Nnadi was signed as a long-term prospect. If he continues to improve his game, he will certainly see more minutes in a Marseille shirt. Coach Habib Beye clearly admires the 22-year-old and, with time, he will likely get his moment in the sun.