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Eric Chelle Hails Tochukwu Nnadi After Marseille Move: “He’s a Real Gem”
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has expressed his delight after meeting midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi following the youngster’s headline-making transfer to French Ligue 1 giants Olympique Marseille.
Nnadi recently completed a major move from Belgian side Zulte Waregem to Marseille, a switch widely viewed as a significant step forward in the 22-year-old’s rapidly rising career.
The defensive midfielder only made his Super Eagles debut last month in a friendly against Egypt in Cairo and was also part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he caught the eye with his maturity and composure.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Chelle admitted he had long felt Nnadi had outgrown his former club and was destined for a move to a bigger stage.
“I watched him and wondered what he was still doing in that team,” Chelle said. “It’s a good move by OM. I expected him to go to the Premier League.”
The Super Eagles coach went on to praise Nnadi’s mentality and the instant impression he made during his first national team call-up, highlighting how quickly he adapted to the demands of international football.
“He’s determined, doesn’t overthink things. When he arrived at his first training session, he impressed everyone and came on against Egypt with a full session under his belt,” Chelle revealed. “He’s a real gem, this kid; you’ll be surprised because he can be very aggressive on the pitch.”
Chelle also underlined the midfielder’s physical attributes and ball-winning qualities, describing him as a modern defensive midfielder whose game is built on intensity, strength and simplicity.
“He’s very quick, powerful, and capable of winning back possession from opponents, with that aggressive approach over about fifteen meters to chase down the ball carrier,” he explained. “With the ball, he plays a simple game, using his body to protect it.”
The Super Eagles boss believes Marseille provides the ideal environment for Nnadi to flourish and reach his full potential.
“If he’s in an environment where the players support him and give him confidence, he’ll quickly reach his full potential,” Chelle added.
With his move to one of France’s biggest clubs now confirmed, Nnadi will be hoping to translate Chelle’s faith and praise into consistent performances as he continues his upward trajectory at both club and international level.
