Tochukwu Nnadi Makes Late Appearance as Marseille Thrash Strasbourg 4-0 in Ligue 1 Opener
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
MARSEILLE, FRANCE — Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made a late appearance as Olympique Marseille began their 2026/27 Ligue 1 campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Strasbourg at the Stade Vélodrome on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Nnadi was introduced in the 83rd minute, replacing Himad Abdelli, as Marseille completed a dominant second-half performance to secure all three points in their opening league fixture. Match records confirm that the Nigerian midfielder came on with Marseille already leading 3-0.
The result marked an emphatic start to the new Ligue 1 season for Marseille, who took control of the contest after a goalless first half.
The hosts broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Amine Gouiri finished from an assist by England international Angel Gomes two minutes into the second half.
Marseille were handed a further advantage in the 59th minute when Strasbourg midfielder Samir El-Mourabet was sent off following a VAR intervention for violent conduct.
Gouiri subsequently doubled Marseille's advantage from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after another VAR review resulted in a penalty for a challenge involving Strasbourg defender Guela Doué and Marseille forward Igor Paixão.
With Strasbourg reduced to 10 men, Marseille continued to dominate proceedings and added a third goal late in the match.
Substitute Keyliane Abdallah found the net in the 83rd minute, the same minute Nnadi entered the game. Abdallah's goal gave Marseille a three-goal cushion before Pierre-Emile Højbjerg completed the scoring in stoppage time with a long-range finish.
Although Nnadi did not score or register an assist, his introduction gave him minutes in Marseille's opening league fixture and placed him among the Nigerian players featuring in European football at the start of the new season.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Marseille from Belgian club Zulte Waregem in February 2026. The move came after he established himself in Belgium and earned recognition with the Nigerian national team. Marseille officially confirmed his arrival during the 2026 winter transfer window.
Nnadi had previously made his first start for Marseille during the previous Ligue 1 campaign, with Ligue 1's official website describing his performance against Nice as an encouraging display in midfield.
His appearance against Strasbourg therefore represents another opportunity for the Nigerian to compete for regular playing time under Marseille's new head coach, Bruno Genesio.
The victory also provided Marseille with an ideal beginning to their campaign, with four goals scored and a clean sheet secured in front of their home supporters.
