Tochukwu Nnadi Still Awaiting Olympique Marseille Debut After Winter Transfer

Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is yet to make his competitive debut for Olympique Marseille following his move to the Ligue 1 side during the winter transfer window.

Tochukwu Nnadi completed a reported €6 million transfer from Belgian club Zulte Waregem on deadline day, arriving in the south of France with high expectations.

However, weeks after finalising the switch, the Nigerian has not featured in a matchday squad and has also been absent from the substitutes’ bench.

Nnadi’s continued omission has sparked questions among sections of the Nigerian football community, particularly in the absence of any official explanation from the club or detailed reporting in the French media.

Despite the speculation, Marseille’s current situation offers context to the delay. The club has faced uncertainty off the pitch, including developments surrounding the coaching position, with Habib Beye ruled out of contention, as well as the resignation of sporting director Mehdi Benatia.

On the field, competition in midfield remains intense. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is the established starter in Nnadi’s preferred role, while Geoffrey Kondogbia provides experienced cover. The partnership of Højbjerg and Quentin Timber has retained the confidence of the coaching staff in recent matches, limiting rotation opportunities.

Sources close to the club indicate that Nnadi is regarded as a long-term addition rather than an immediate solution. The coaching team are understood to be focused on easing him into the squad, allowing time for adaptation to the demands and tempo of Ligue 1 football.