Nigeria’s Tochukwu Nnadi in line for first Marseille

Tochukwu Nnadi could be handed his first start for Olympique de Marseille this weekend, with head coach Habib Beye indicating the midfielder is firmly in contention ahead of Sunday’s clash with OGC Nice.

The 22-year-old Nigerian has endured a slow start to life in Ligue 1 since completing his move from Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window.

Limited opportunities have restricted him to just four appearances, amounting to a modest 34 minutes on the pitch. However, a combination of improved fitness and squad absences has now opened a potential pathway into the starting lineup.

Marseille’s midfield options have been depleted by injuries to Geoffrey Kondogbia and Bilal Nadir, both of whom have been ruled out of the fixture. Their absence has intensified competition among the remaining players, but it has also elevated Nnadi’s chances of securing a more prominent role.

Having recently returned to full training following a knee problem that kept him out of the defeat to Lorient, Nnadi is now regaining rhythm at a crucial moment. His availability offers Beye an alternative profile in midfield, something the coach appeared keen to emphasise during his pre-match remarks.

“He is a high-performing player who brings a different profile in his characteristics. He is in contention to start on Sunday,” Beye said.

The Marseille boss added that a final decision would depend on the player’s condition across the final training sessions, noting that the midfielder is progressing well after his injury layoff.

With the fixture set to take place at the iconic Stade Vélodrome, the stage is set for Nnadi to make a meaningful impression if selected.

This represents a big opportunity to stake his claim and demonstrate his value within Marseille’s evolving midfield structure for a player still seeking to establish himself at the club.