Tochukwu Nnadi makes Marseille return after knee injury

Tochukwu Nnadi returned to action for Marseille as they beat Troyes 2–0 at Stade de l’Aube on Sunday, coming off the bench in the 73rd minute.

The 23-year-old midfielder had injured his knee a week before the international break, ruling him out of Nigeria duty and raising concerns that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nnadi was reported to be fully fit and available again last week, and had been considered a possible starter after Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was ruled out through injury. However, Marseille coach Bruno Genesio named him among the substitutes for the match at Troyes.

He replaced Nouhoum Kamissoko with 17 minutes of normal time remaining. Marseille were a goal behind when Nnadi entered the game, but finished strongly, with Himad Abdelli converting a penalty to make sure the match ended 2–0 after 90 minutes.

Nnadi completed all 12 of his attempted passes after coming on and helped Marseille maintain the intensity of their play. His performance earned him a Sofascore rating of 6.8, the best mark among Marseille’s substitutes on the night.

Marseille’s next fixture is against Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, when Nnadi will hope to earn further playing time or possibly make his first start since returning from injury.

Nnadi targeting Nigeria return

Nnadi appears to be a player trusted by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. He made his Africa Cup of Nations debut earlier this year and was subsequently included in Nigeria’s camps in May and June.

The midfielder had been expected to be included for the opening matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau last month, but his knee problem prevented him from being involved.

Another opportunity is expected next month, when Nigeria face Tanzania in a double-header. That could give Nnadi the chance to return to the Super Eagles squad if he can establish himself again at club level.

To force his way back into the national team, he will need regular minutes with Marseille and must demonstrate that he has returned to his best form.

There are opportunities available in Nigeria’s midfield, meaning consistent performances for his club could put Nnadi firmly back in contention for selection.