Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has welcomed the transfer of Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi to French Ligue 1 heavyweights Olympique Marseille, describing the move as long overdue for a player of his quality.
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Nnadi sealed his switch to the former European champions on winter transfer deadline day, a move widely viewed as a major milestone in his career and a clear vote of confidence in his abilities at the highest level.
Reacting to the transfer in an interview with French outlet L’Equipe, Chelle praised the midfielder’s all-round attributes and insisted he has long been ready for top-tier football.
“I thought he should have been playing in a bigger league a long time ago. He’s fast, strong, aggressive in winning the ball back, and can make a lot of interceptions,” Chelle said.
The Nigerian international is expected to add steel, intensity and tactical discipline to Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield at Marseille, with his ball-winning qualities seen as a natural fit for the club’s high-energy style of play.
Beyond club football, the move is also set to enhance Nnadi’s standing within the Super Eagles. Regular exposure in Ligue 1 is likely to strengthen his case for a more prominent and consistent role in the national team as Nigeria looks to build a competitive midfield core for upcoming international assignments.
For Nnadi, the Marseille switch represents not just a step up, but a platform to firmly establish himself among Nigeria’s elite players on the European stage.
