Egypt coach Hassan Shehata has been given the green light to coach Nigeria at this summer's World Cup.
Egyptian bosses give coach green light for World Cup role
The Egyptian Football Association has given Hassan Shehata the green light to coach Nigeria at this summer's World Cup.
The Egypt coach is one of several names that have been linked to the vacant position having recently led the Pharaohs to a third successive African Nations Cup title.
Last week he ruled himself out of the running, citing the unwillingness of the EFA to release him on a short-term basis, but the EFA now appear to have cleared the way for Shehata to lead their fellow African heavyweights in South Africa.
The 60-year-old was on a preferred list of candidates drawn up by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the dismissal of Shaibu Amodu earlier this month.
Shortlist
Six other coaches have also been targeted, with Russia boss Guus Hiddink reportedly the No.1 on the list, while Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal has already stated his non-interest.
Making up the shortlist along with Shehata are Sven-Goran Eriksson, Englishman Peter Taylor, ex-Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic and Qatar boss Bruno Metsu.
Although Shehata initially ruled himself out, an EFA official claims they will let him take on a short-term role if a firm approach was made by the NFF.
"The FA's general assembly gave Shehata the thumbs-up to coach Nigeria during the World Cup should a tangible offer be made," Salah Hosni, an EFA executive, told
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Highly regarded
Shehata is highly regarded on the continent due to his African Cup of Nations success, although Egypt missed out on World Cup qualification.
The Pharaohs were pipped by Algeria for a place in South Africa while Nigeria were among Africa's four other qualifiers.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group B with Argentina, Greece and South Korea, and they are set to announce their new coach before the end of February.
Hosni added: "The FA president, Samir Zaher, is assigned to contact the Nigerian FA and follow up on this issue."
