Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has backed Tochukwu Nnadi to succeed at Olympique Marseille, insisting the Nigerian midfielder has long been ready for the demands of elite European football.
Nnadi completed a reported €6m move to the Ligue 1 club from Belgian side Zulte Waregem earlier this week, signing a contract that runs until 2030.
Speaking to L’Équipe, Chelle said the 22-year-old’s progression had been inevitable, describing the transfer as a natural next step in his development.
“I thought he should have been playing in a bigger league a long time ago,” Chelle said.
“He’s fast, strong, aggressive in winning the ball back, and makes a lot of interceptions.”
Tochukwu Nnadi with Marseille officials. Photo Credit: Marseille/X
Chelle worked closely with Nnadi during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the midfielder earned his first taste of senior international football with the Super Eagles.
Although his involvement at the tournament was limited, the national team coach believes the Marseille move could accelerate Nnadi’s emergence at international level.
Nnadi played his first ever AFCON match in Morocco against Uganda. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
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Marseille’s interest reportedly drew competition from clubs in Germany and Italy, but Nnadi opted for the Ligue 1 side, following in the footsteps of former Nigerian internationals Taye Taiwo and Wilson Oruma, who both previously played for the club.
Chelle added that regular exposure in one of Europe’s top leagues would strengthen Nnadi’s case for a more prominent role with Nigeria.
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“He has the physical and tactical qualities needed at the highest level,” the coach said. “Now he just needs consistency.”
