Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has moved to set the record straight over reports linking him to French club Olympique de Marseille, insisting he never personally engaged in any talks with the Ligue 1 side.
Chelle, who was appointed Super Eagles manager in January 2025 on a two-year deal with the Nigerian Football Federation, broke his silence after his name began circulating as a potential candidate for the Marseille hotseat.
According to reports, gathered by Truth Live News, the Malian born tactician was keen to separate social media noise from the facts on the ground.
“I have had absolutely no contact with the management of OM,” Eric stated.
Chelle explained that signing with a sports agency was part of a deliberate career strategy. His representatives, acting on his behalf, reached out to several European clubs particularly in France to explore opportunities. It was through that process that his name came to Marseille’s attention at a time when the club was searching for a new coach.
“My agency contacted the club to offer me the position. We didn’t do anything more,” he clarified.
The 47-year-old, born in Abidjan but with deep roots in the south of France, acknowledged that his personal connection to the Marseille area likely poured fuel on the rumours. A self-confessed OM supporter, he admitted friends had asked whether he would be open to the role but stressed he never sought the attention that followed.
“With social media, it just blew up,” he said.
Chelle’s stock remains high after steering Nigeria to a third-place finish at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a result that has only strengthened his position as Super Eagles boss despite the swirling speculation.
