Ikpeba Warns Chelle Against Marseille Job, Urges Super Eagles Contract Renewal

Former Nigerian international Victor Ikpeba has advised Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle to reject any potential offer from Olympique Marseille, warning that the French giants are notoriously impatient with managers.

French media recently reported that Marseille are considering Chelle as a possible replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club following a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau had earlier insisted that Chelle remains committed to his role with the Super Eagles, with one year left on his current contract.

Ikpeba, who enjoyed a successful career in France with AS Monaco between 1993 and 1999, cautioned Chelle against making the move.

‘If I were to personally advise Eric, I will tell him not to consider the Olympique Marseille job because they quickly lose patience with the coach when things are not going well,’ he said, according to Football Focus.

He added: ‘They are no doubt a very big club, but they don’t take kindly to any excuses when things are not going well. It’s the same with their fans. They can’t stand a defeat.’

Instead, Ikpeba urged Chelle to secure a new deal with Nigeria and continue building on his growing reputation.

‘My advice to Eric Chelle would be for him to get a new contract with the Super Eagles and continue to build his profile, which has been enhanced since the AFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria played some beautiful attacking football.’

Chelle, appointed in January 2025, guided Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month, earning praise for the team’s attacking style.