Nigeria interested in Shehata

Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata linked to Nigeria job (Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Egypt’s coach Hassan Shehata yesterday revealed to Egyptian television that the Nigerian Football Federation has made contacts with him about taking Nigeria to this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

“They expressed an interest in hiring me to take charge of their team during the World Cup,” the 60-year-old told television station Modern Sport.

Shehata, one of the most respected coaches on the continent is currently on a contract with Egypt which runs till 2012. He recently won the African Cup of Nations with Egypt making it the third straight time. He however came under a lot of criticism when he failed to qualify Egypt for this summer’s World Cup.

Shehata tempted
Shehata did not hide his interest in taking the job but has said the final decision lies in the hands of the Egyptian FA. He sees the possibility of working with the Super Eagles on a short term basis.

“It will be a great honour for me to work in the World Cup, but the Egyptian FA will have the final word on whether I could work with Nigeria on a temporary basis.”

What happens to current coach Shuaibu Amodu
On Friday the Executive Committee of the NFF will meet to decide Amodu’s future with the Eagles. A statement by the chairman of the technical committee of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi however suggests that, a total overhaul of the technical crew was inevitable.

Other coaches that have been linked to the job are Mozambique manager Mart Nooij and Zambia manager Herve Renard.