Olympique de Marseille head coach Habib Beye has publicly backed Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi while identifying a clear developmental target for the midfielder — greater offensive output — as the Super Eagles star works to carve out a regular role at the Ligue 1 club.
Nnadi, 22, completed a €6 million move to Marseille from Belgian side Zulte Waregem in January 2026, but has seen limited action since his arrival. The Nigerian has featured in just three substitute appearances, logging a total of 26 minutes of playing time across all competitions.
Beye attributed the midfielder’s sparse involvement to the depth of competition in the squad rather than any dissatisfaction with the player’s performances. “No, Nnadi makes a very good impression on me,” the coach said at a press conference. “But it’s in this area where we have the most players; we have seven or eight midfielders. So, in this situation, rotation isn’t necessarily frequent for them.”
The Senegalese manager was particularly complimentary of Nnadi’s defensive work, noting his pressing ability as a specific strength. “I’m very satisfied with his contribution, especially defensively and his ability to press four or five metres,” Beye added.
However, Beye made clear that earning a starting berth — especially in a two-man midfield setup — will require Nnadi to become a more well-rounded contributor. “Having spoken with him, I’d also like to see him work on that offensively,” the coach explained. “He needs to be able to inject some dynamism; in a two-man midfield, you need players who can also contribute in the second line.”
“In his development and adaptation, he needs to work towards that, but we’re very satisfied with his attitude and what he does defensively,” Beye clarified.
The comments reflect the broader challenge facing Nnadi as he adjusts to one of France’s most competitive clubs. Marseille have been among the frontrunners in Ligue 1 this season, and their midfield options mean opportunities for new arrivals are inherently limited, particularly in the early months following a transfer window move.
Nnadi’s move to Marseille had attracted attention in Nigerian football circles, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle previously stating that he had expected the midfielder to join a Premier League club before his switch to France was confirmed. The player’s integration at Marseille will be closely monitored ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, with the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year.
For Nnadi, the path forward appears well-defined. His defensive discipline has already earned Beye’s confidence, and with a full pre-season at the club on the horizon, a more prominent role could materialise if he demonstrates the attacking dynamism his manager is seeking.
