Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is perhaps the most impressed by the transfer of one-cap Nigerian player, Tochukwu Nnadi, from Zulte Waregem in Belgium to French club Marseille, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nnadi made his move in the January transfer window after being heavily linked with West Ham United and other suitors in the English Premier League.
Marseille paid €6m for the former Flying Eagles midfielder, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.
Nnadi, who featured at the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Argentina, began his professional career in 2021 with Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv before joining Zulte Waregem in January 2024.
His performance in the last two years has caught the attention of clubs, including Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who handed him his first national team call-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the country finished third.
The 22-year-old made his debut for Nigeria in their final group game against Uganda on December 30, 2025.
“I watched him and wondered what he was still doing in that team,” Chelle told L’Équipe.
“It’s a good move by Olympic Marseille. I expected him to go to the Premier League.”
The Super Eagles coach also expressed confidence in the 22-year-old’s ability.
“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.
“With the ball, he plays a simple game, using his body to protect it. If he’s in an environment where the players support him and give him confidence, he’ll quickly reach his full potential.
“He’s determined, doesn’t overthink things. When he arrived at his first training session, he impressed everyone and came on against Egypt (in a friendly) with a full session under his belt. He’s a real gem, this kid; you’ll be surprised because he can be very aggressive on the pitch.”
During his two-year stint with Zulte Waregem, he contributed to their promotion last season and has played 18 matches before his latest transfer.
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