Republic of Ireland head coach Giovanni Trapattoni has been linked with the vacant Nigeria post.
Italian now leading candidate for Super Eagles job
Republic of Ireland head coach Giovanni Trapattoni has been linked with the vacant Nigeria post.
The vastly experienced Italian has become the latest high-profile tactician to be added to the Super Eagles' wishlist as they look to replace Shaibu Amodu, who was sacked last week after leading them to a third-place finish in the African Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian Football Federation have confirmed they are trying to lure the former Juventus, Bayern Munich and Italy boss to take up the role after the 70-year-old saw Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup infamously dashed by Thierry Henry's handball for France.
Trapattoni, who is under contract with the FAI until Euro 2012, joins Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal, Peter Taylor, Ratomir Dujkovic, Bruno Metsu and as the leading candidates to lead the African side into this summer's South Africa finals.
Meanwhile, Hassan Shehata - another name on Nigeria's list- has signed a new contract with Egypt to end speculation that he could take up the available post.
Shehata, who was also linked with the Ivory Coast role after masterminding his third successive Africa Cup of Nations title with the Egyptians, said he was delighted to pen a new deal in his homeland.
"I am very happy to sign my new contract - for me this is the best job in the world," he told
skysports.com.
"My dream is to lead Egypt in the World Cup 2014."
