Eric Chelle has moved to clarify recent rumours linking him with the Marseille bench. The current Nigeria coach, appointed in January 2025, was cited as a potential replacement for Roberto De Zerbi following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Those reports sparked criticism in Nigeria, with accusations that Chelle was using alleged interest from OM to pressure the federation during contract talks. A supposed list of his demands even circulated on social media, further fuelling the controversy.
Speaking to Canal+ Africa, the 48-year-old firmly denied any contact with Marseille and rejected claims that he exploited the rumour to renegotiate his deal. He insisted he remains fully committed to Nigeria, where his contract runs until 2027, and described the situation as a misunderstanding linked to his personal ties to the city.
Chelle did, however, admit that coaching in Ligue 1 remains a long-term ambition, stating that managing a major French club would interest him in the future, should his time with Nigeria come to an end.