JJ Akanji BBC Sport, Lagos

Christian Chukwu lead Nigeria to third place at the Nations Cup

Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu's hopes of keeping his job depends on his ability to keep the country's hope of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup alive.

"Chukwu will only keep his job if he keeps hope of a world ticket alive, otherwise we will look for another foreign coach," said Olu Amadasun, the spokesman of the board of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA).

Speaking in the same vein, another member who demanded anonymity said "we need a technically sound coach who can meet the aspirations of Nigerians to be at the 2006 World Cup finals.

"We don't want to take any chances, we don't want to be in any difficult situation this time around."

Nigeria were set to employ former England international Bryan Robson as manager last year, but pulled out of the deal on financial grounds.

Now NFA Secretary General Taiwo Ogunjobi has reportedly opened talks with another former England player, Glenn Hoddle, as well as Frenchman Claude Leroy.

Chukwu's reponse to the growing speculation came swiftly.

"During our interview, we were told that they will employ a technical adviser and all of us agreed," he said.

"I have no problem with the NFA bringing anybody either to work with me or over me.

"I will work with him and it will not affect my contract, so I have no problem with that."

Yet the technical crew face a litmus test in June when the Eagles play their first 2006 World Cup and Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The result of the match could decide the fate of the coaching crew.

Nigeria has been placed in Group 4 alongside Zimbabwe, Angola, Gabon, Algeria and Rwanda.