The Nigeria coach is among the names mentioned to succeed Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille.
Amid persistent rumors and criticism sparked by these speculations, the 48-year-old coach decided to break his silence to clarify his position and discuss his future.
Eric Chelle has seen his name circulate insistently in recent weeks. Appointed as the coach of Nigeria in January 2025, the former coach of Mali led the team to a third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON, in a context marked by tensions between his two star forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Back from Morocco, the 48-year-old coach was then mentioned as a potential successor to Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille. These rumors sparked strong reactions in Nigeria, where part of the public did not appreciate the speculation surrounding his future.
In short, Eric Chelle has been accused of fueling the rumors about him moving to the Canebière to pressure the Nigeria federation in negotiations related to his contract extension. A document detailing his demands, including financial ones, even circulated on social media.
Despite the controversy, Chelle remains the coach of the Super Eagles, with a contract running until 2027, while Habib Beye has ultimately been chosen to succeed Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille.
In an interview with Canal+ Afrique, the main interested party wanted to set the record straight, particularly regarding the OM rumor.
“I have never been in contact with OM”
“I was accused of going to Nigeria claiming that OM was interested in me to use it in my negotiations. Today, I am still the coach of Nigeria. Discussions were planned, as in any contract. I have never been in contact with OM. If there were exchanges with my agent, you should ask him.”
“My fault may be living in Marseille and being attached to this city. My fault is having answered ‘yes’ to friends who asked me if I would ever be interested in coaching OM. But at no point did I start this rumor or try to use it to renegotiate my contract.”
Eric Chelle thus speaks of a misunderstanding to justify the persistent rumors. The former defender of Valenciennes FC and RC Lens acknowledged that a stint on a Ligue 1 bench is clearly among his ambitions, should he leave Nigeria.
“Of course. If tomorrow, with Nigeria, things don’t go well, Ligue 1 is a goal. A big club in L1. And when I talk about a big club, I’m not just talking about results, but about structure, history, and playing identity. Of course, that would interest me,” he confided.
A clear message that should not go unnoticed by several French clubs.
