Robson has made a "routine phone call"

NFA secretary general Taiwo Ogunjobi has claimed the former Manchester United midfielder made a "routine phone call" to ask him about the position.

Nigeria are keen to employ a foreign coach, though Robson's approach is believed to have missed the official deadline for applications.

"Robson called me once or twice to inquire about the job and I directed him to discuss it with our technical committee," Ogunjobi said.

Robson was not among the 51 people who originally applied for the job, from which the NFA technical committee short-listed six candidates for interview.

Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu has been criticised for not being technically equipped for the job.

Robson has been out of management since quitting Middlesbrough by mutual consent in June 2001.

He spent seven seasons with Boro, guiding them to two League Cup finals and an FA Cup final, but losing all three.