The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have agreed to let Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata to take charge of Nigeria during their 2010 World Cup campaign. The agreement followed a brief split over the issue on the board of the federation. Members agreed that training Nigeria would be a great chance for Shehata to gain more experience by coaching a team competing in the World Cup. Nigeria have been on the lookout for a new coach since the sacking of their Shaibu Amodu. Former Zamalek's star Shehata is one of several veteran tacticians to be nominated as the Super Eagles' boss in Amodu's stead. Nigeria's shortlist also includes Russia's coach Guus Hiddink, former Ghanaian manager Ratomir Dujkovic, Qatar's boss Bruno Metsu and former U-21 England Bitter Taylor. It's not yet clear whether the World Cup qualifiers have made up their minds or not. Samir Zaher, the EFA President, is going to discuss this matter with the Nigerian Football Association, to see whether their interest in the Pharaohs' head coach, who has led Egypt to three successive African Cup of Nations wins, really is serious. Shehata, known as ‘Al-Muallem' and thought by many to be Africa's best coach, is very optimistic that he can achieve great things with Nigeria. He'd love to become the first Arab manager to coach a foreign team in the World Cup. The 62-year-old coach was dreaming of leading his country to South Africa this summer, but alas it's not to be.
