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Tochukwu Nnadi: the future of Marseille's midfield?

Tochukwu Nnadi made his first start for Olympique de Marseille during Sunday's 1-1 draw against OGC Nice. Is it a sign of things to come for the Nigeria international?
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 04/29/2026 at 09:00
3-minute read
Nnadi in action for Marseille against Auxerre earlier this month

Tochukwu Nnadi made his first start for Olympique de Marseille during Sunday's 1-1 draw against OGC Nice. Is it a sign of things to come for the Nigeria international?

Nnadi made to wait for his chance

Nnadi joined OM from Belgian side Zulte Waregem during the final hours of the winter transfer window. It is at the Belgian Pro League side that he made his name, forcing his way into the national team set-up.

However, game time was not so easy to come by for the midfielder during his opening weeks at the Vélodrome. It was not until a month later and the 3-2 win over Lyon, that he made his debut for Habib Beye's side. And even then, he only managed two minutes, replacing Mason Greenwood in injury time.

And it was only against Mediterranean rivals Nice over the weekend that he was finally played from the start. He certainly took his chance. He was all over the pitch, covering the ground in the OM midfield and had the technical ability to then pick out Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for Marseille's opener. 

There were imperfections in his performance, but there is a feeling that Nnadi is now up and running in Ligue 1 McDonald's. He could be a more long-term solution in the OM midfield going forward.

There could be major changes in the OM midfield over the summer. Arthur Vermeeren may return to parent club RB Leipzig; Bilal Nadir's contract at his formative club is up; whilst Geoffrey Kondogbia, so convincing over the years, is not getting any younger. He is already 33 years old, whilst club captain Hojbjerg has now turned 30. Angel Gomes may also return from his loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it is unclear whether his future lies at the Vélodrome, too.

Nnadi's task is now to disrupt the hierarchy in OM's midfield and make arguments to be a starter going forward. His manager at national team level, Éric Chelle, nonetheless believes that Nnadi will prove to be a good signing for the Ligue 1 McDonald's side. 

"I was watching him and wondering what he was still doing in this side (Zulte Waregem). He is a good buy for OM," said Chelle upon the completion of the move. While Nnadi was still bedding in, Chelle attended a Coupe de France game, joining Nnadi in the stands. The midfielder is now on the pitch for Les Phocéens and he will be fighting to keep it that way.

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