Hassan Shehata claims he has been offered the chance to lead Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup™ after guiding Egypt to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Pharaohs coach, who has been in charge of the north Africans since 2004, is highly regarded on the continent and a 1-0 victory over Ghana in yesterday's final further increased his status. The win in Angola was a third in succession and with the Egyptians having failed to qualify for the global showpiece in South Africa, it could offer Shehata further possibilities.

"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.

Under-fire Shaibu Amodu is currently in charge of the Super Eagles, who finished third at the Cup of Nations. However reports are rife in Nigeria that he could relinquish the position before the FIFA World Cup, where his side are pooled in Group B alongside Argentina, Korea Republic and Greece.

Shehata added that if he does take charge it will be on a temporary basis, but conceded the ultimate decision lay with his current employers. He added: "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."

Egypt narrowly missed out on a place at the FIFA World Cup after losing 1-0 to Algeria in a play-off in Sudan after both sides finished level on points and goal difference during regular qualifying.


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