Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Out Of Marseille Race As Habib Beye Is Appointed

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will not be joining Olympique Marseille, as the French Ligue 1 club has confirmed Habib Beye as their new head coach.

Since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded in January, Chelle’s future has been a topic of intense speculation. The Malian coach had been linked to several prominent positions, including national team jobs in Angola, Tunisia, and Algeria, with his most recent strong connection being Marseille following the sacking of Roberto De Zerbi two weeks ago.

Rumours about Chelle’s potential move to France were fueled by his deep ties to French football. Interest spiked on February 19 when he joined a new football agency, a move often interpreted as a precursor to a career change.

The uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s future has created pressure on the Super Eagles, particularly with an upcoming FIFA international window. Nigeria is also awaiting the results of a FIFA inquiry into the DR Congo case, which could secure the team a place in the World Cup playoffs.

Marseille’s decision to hire Beye ends any chance of Chelle taking over at the Stade Vélodrome. However, other African nations continue to monitor him closely. With only a year remaining on his contract and no extension yet from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chelle’s departure from the national team remains a possibility. Some interested countries could also guarantee him a spot at this year’s World Cup—something Nigeria cannot presently assure.

Although the NFF has expressed a desire to retain Chelle, formalising a contract extension will be essential to putting an end to speculation over his future.