The Egyptian Football Federation has decided that it would allow Hassan Shehata to coach the Super Eagles at the 2010 World Cup should the manager receive an official offer from the Nigerian FA.
"The FA's general assembly gave Shehata the thumbs up to coach Nigeria during the World Cup should a tangible offer be made," said Salah Hosni, an executive in the Egyptian football governing body, speaking to Filgoal.com.
Shehata had indicated that he had great interest in coaching Nigeria when he was linked with them after leading Egypt to their third straight Africa Cup of Nations triumph but always maintained he needed to get permission from his employers first and the Egyptian FA members were not keen on the idea until this recent turnaround.
The former Zamalek player is said to be eager to become the first Arab manager to coach a foreign team at the World Cup and could very well fulfill that dream this summer if all goes his way. The Egyptian Football Federation president, Samir Zaher, will reportedly follow up with his Nigerian counterpart to see if Nigeria's interest in the triple African Champion is serious.
Nigeria, Paraguay Friendly In Danger
Nigeria's friendly game against Paraguay on March 3 is in danger of not happening after the Nigeria Football Federation signed the contract a day later than they were supposed to.
Paraguay sent the contract to the NFF on Monday, with a proviso that the signed document be returned by Tuesday, but NFF Secretary General Bolaji Ojob-Oba only signed the documents on Wednesday, leaving the Paraguayans in a temper.
Coach Gerardo Martino is believed to be unhappy about the uncertainty and says he wants enough time to prepare his players mentally and psychologically for whichever opponents they will meet in two weeks.
NFF Chief Media Officer Ademola Olajire says both parties are working to resolve the issue.
“The two presidents are talking and we believe we can come to a resolution by Friday morning," he told KickOffNigeria.com.
If that fails to happen, Olajitre says Nigeria will make other arrangements.
“We are exploring other options if this falls through, but we are optimistic that everything will be resolved.”
Paraguay have already listed Athletico Madrid as replacements for Nigeria's Super Eagles.
Meanwhile, Paraguay has insisted on Nigeria having technical adviser before March 3, 2010. If it is serious on the match.
Amodu
Angry
With NFF
Shuaibu Amodu insists that he remains the Head Coach of Nigeria's senior national team and has reported to his duty post and taken over the B team on Thursday in Abuja.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced over a week ago that Amodu had been 'reassigned' to the B team and announced a shopping list of names for a foreign 'Technical Adviser'.
But Amodu says his job description had not changed, “I remain the head coach of the Super Eagles. I have a contract with the NFF which recognises this fact and also spells out my duties as the overall boss of Nigeria's senior national teams," Amodu said on Wednesday in Lagos.
"In my contract with the NFF, it is stated clearly that I will be in charge of the national team whether the A or B team."
Amodu also explained that his deployment to handle the CHAN team was not a demotion, as the proposal for a home-based team was what he presented to the NFF when he was employed.
"I am the architect of the B team. I am responsible for its birth. When I came on board as Head Coach of the Super Eagles, I told the NFF I needed to have a camp for local players. They agreed, but said I should concentrate on the task of qualifying Nigeria for the World Cup and leave the B team to Okey Emordi.”
Amodu also made it clear that his contract allows the NFF to employ a foreign coach.
"The contract I signed states that 'I am irrevocably committed to working with a new technical adviser.
"I am committed to the terms of the contract and I don't remember telling anybody anything to the contrary."
