Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has been named new assistant to coach Gernot Rohr, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Yobo has replaced Imama Amapakabo, who assisted Rohr when Salisu Yusuf was banned for accepting cash from undercover journalists posing as agents.

Observers see this as a surprise appointment as he does not have any coaching experience.

The former Everton defender won a 100 caps for Nigeria at full international level during which time he led Nigeria to win the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and reach the Round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He featured in three World Cup in 2002, 2010 and 2014 as well as played in six Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Yobo, 39, also played for several top European clubs including Standard Liege, Olympique Marseille in the French top flight, Fenerbahce in Turkey, Everton and Norwich City in the Premier League.