ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has appointed Éric Chelle as the new head coach for its men’s national soccer team as the country faces the possibility of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation announced the decision on Tuesday after a meeting of the executive committee.

Chelle, 47, brings valuable international coaching experience to the role, having managed the Malian national team from 2022 until last year. He is stepping in to lead a squad that has struggled in its World Cup qualifying campaign, earning only three points from the first four matches. The Nigerian team will be competing against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, with hopes of improving their standing. The last time Nigeria appeared in the men’s World Cup was in 2018.

This move marks the fourth coaching change for the national team within a year. The previous coach, Jose Peseiro, departed upon the conclusion of his contract in February, after which former player Finidi George took the reins but resigned after just two games. Technical director Augustine Eguavoen briefly assumed coaching duties following George’s exit.

In September, the federation had also appointed German Bruno Labbadia to the position, but he turned down the role, citing concerns over being unable to visit Nigeria prior to the announcement, alongside disagreements related to tax issues.