Eric Chelle denies contact with Marseille and explains agent inquiry

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has rejected claims of direct talks with Olympique de Marseille, clarifying that any approach came solely from his representatives and not from the French club.

Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in January 2025 under a two-year contract with the Nigerian Football Federation, addressed the speculation after his name emerged as a possible candidate for the Marseille job.

Speaking on the podcast “Histoires de foot”, relayed by Complete Sports, the Malian coach sought to distinguish between online rumours and the reality of the situation.

“I have had absolutely no contact with the management of OM,” Chelle said, firmly dismissing suggestions of negotiations.

He explained that his decision to join an agency was part of a broader professional plan. “I signed with an agency with the aim of developing and growing as a coach.

My agents decided to sound out a few clubs in Europe, particularly in France.”

It was through that process, he added, that his name reached the desks of Olympique de Marseille. “At that time, OM was looking for a coach. My agency contacted the club to offer me the position. We didn’t do anything more,” Chelle stated.

The 47-year-old suggested that his personal ties to the Marseille region may have intensified the rumours. Born in Abidjan but closely connected to the south of France, he acknowledged his affection for the club.

“Shortlist or not, I haven’t had any contact. You’d have to ask my agent if I was on a list or not,” he said. “Since I’m from the area, I talked to some friends who asked me if I’d be interested.

I’m an OM supporter, and if someone asks me if I’d like to, of course. But I absolutely did not ask for any publicity about it. With social media, it just blew up.”

Chelle recently guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reinforcing his standing as national team coach despite the speculation surrounding his future.