Speculation linking Nigeria’s Super Eagles manager with a possible move to France has been effectively laid to rest following Olympique de Marseille’s appointment of former club captain Habib Beye as their new head coach.
Olympique de Marseille confirmed on Wednesday that Beye, 48, will take charge of the Ligue 1 side just over a week after he was dismissed by Rennes following a run of poor results and reported disagreements with some players.
Beye, who captained Marseille during his playing career between 2003 and 2007, also had spells in the English Premier League with Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
His first match in charge will be a Ligue 1 fixture against Brest on Friday. Marseille currently sit fourth in the French top flight, 12 points behind leaders Lens.
The appointment follows the departure of former coach Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club by mutual consent after a heavy 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
Marseille remain active in the Coupe de France and are scheduled to face Toulouse in the quarter-finals on March 4.
The confirmation of Beye’s appointment clarifies Marseille’s managerial direction and puts to rest rumours suggesting that Nigeria’s national team coach could be on the verge of taking over at the French club.
