Nigeria have confirmed that they have opened talks with Egypt coach Hassan Shehata over the possibility of him leading the Super Eagles at this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

“We have already contacted Shehata to inform him that he is one of the candidates to take over at our national team,” Nigerian Football Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire told Egyptian radio on Wednesday.

“We nominated four other coaches for the team’s managerial seat. We will sit down with each one of them in the coming few days.”

Olajire did not reveal the names of the other candidates but KickoffNigeria.com said Swedish Lars Lagerback, Serbian Ratomir Djukovic, French Bruno Metsu and Englishman Peter Taylor would vie for the vacant seat.

Shehata attracted interest from Nigeria after leading Egypt to a third successive African Cup of Nations title last month.

The highly-respected tactician was also at the helm when the Pharaohs won the 2006 and 2008 editions.

Nigeria sacked coach Shaibu Amodu after finishing in a disappointing third place at the Nations Cup in Angola.

Egyptian FA president Samir Zaher said earlier on Wednesday that Nigeria have until Friday to make a formal offer for Shehata.

Shehata said he wished to have a new experience at the World Cup along with his Egypt assistants.

“It’s up to Shehata to choose his assistants, we have no problems with that,” Olajire added.

Nigeria were drawn with Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B of the World Cup.