Metsu is currently in the Gulf

Metsu, currently working with UAE club Al Ain and Henri Kasperczak, former manager of the Tunisian and Malian national teams, were included in the NFA's shortlist even though they never applied for the job.

NFA spokesman Samuel Kaalu said its technical committee wanted to select a high-calibre coach, hence the decision to include Metsu and Kasperczak.

"It was the thinking of the NFA to diversify and get a good coach for the national team," he said.

Metsu, the reigning African Coach of the Year, led Senegal to the final of the 2002 African Nations Cup and the World Cup quarter-finals.

Former Turkey coach Mustafa Denizli, Belgian George Leekens and Frenchman Alain Giresse are also in the frame. The sixth coach was not named.

Nigeria are keen to appoint a foreign coach for the African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in January.

Current manager Christian Chukwu, has had problems convincing the country's ever-critical media, sports officials and fans that he is the right man for the job.

Nigeria, who failed to get past the first round at the 2002 World Cup, have not had a foreign coach since Dutchman Jo Bonfrere was sacked in 2001.