Super Eagles talent Tochukwu Nnadi has yet to make his competitive debut since his recent arrival at Olympique Marseille, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nnadi completed a move from Belgian club Zulte Waregem to the Ligue 1 side for a reported fee in the region of €6 million during the 2026 winter transfer deadline day.
Meanwhile, his absence from the first-team squad and even the bench has raised numerous questions in the Nigerian football community.
With no official explanation from the club and no detailed coverage in the French press, speculation has begun to grow, suggesting that the Nigerian midfielder may already be a “casting error”.
However, a closer look at Marseille’s current situation and midfield hierarchy suggests a far more measured explanation.
Olympique Marseille’s midfield competition
Nnadi joined Marseille at a time when the club is dealing with several urgent off-field and on-field issues, including uncertainty over the coaching position—with Habib Beye now ruled out of the job—and the resignation of sporting director Mehdi Benatia.
These distractions have inevitably shifted focus away from squad rotation and long-term integration plans.
On the pitch, Marseille’s midfield is already settled. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remains the undisputed starter in Nnadi’s role, while Geoffrey Kondogbia is the primary alternative. Kondogbia himself has spent the last two matches on the bench without playing, which shows how difficult it is to break into the current setup.
Meanwhile, the midfield pairing of Højbjerg and Quentin Timber has retained the coach’s trust, leaving little room for immediate changes.
Tochukwu Nnadi: Not an emergency fix
Internally, Nnadi is viewed as a project signing rather than an instant solution. The coaching staff are believed to be keen to shield him from the intense pressure currently surrounding the team, choosing instead to allow him time to adapt to his new environment, the league’s tempo, and Marseille’s tactical demands.
This approach contrasts sharply with claims from some French clickbait sites that label his transfer a mistake. At this stage, such conclusions appear premature.
Marseille are prioritising results and calm in midfield, and introducing a new player during a turbulent period could do more harm than good.
For now, the more credible interpretation is that Nnadi is being protected and prepared, not sidelined because of poor quality.
If his situation remains unchanged after a month or more of matches, then legitimate questions about his role and readiness may follow. Until then, perspective is essential.
