The 61-year-old former Swedish national coach Andersson had held talks with the NFF and was considered the favorite to take over the coaching position with his compatriot Peter Wettergren as assistant.

However, due to “personal commitments,” the Swede was not available until November.

Despite accepting a lucrative offer, 55-year-old Renard failed to sign a new contract, forcing the NFF to look elsewhere to replace Finidi George.

Former Super Eagles striker George resigned from his two-year contract earlier this year after just two games following a poor start to World Cup qualifying.

The failure to sign Renard or Andersson was a heavy blow for NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had negotiated intensively with both sides.

In a race against time, the NFF opened talks with Labbadia, former Sunderland, Brighton and Greek national team coach Poyet, Karanka, who was in charge of Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough at times, and former Italian national team captain Cannavaro.

But Labbadia, who holds a UEFA Pro license and previously coached Hertha BSC Berlin, Wolfsburg, Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen in his home country, was the preferred choice.

In a statement, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said: “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr Bruno Labbadia as the head coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is effective immediately.”