Tunde Aderibigbe, special assistant to NFF president Sani Lulu Abdullahi, told SuperSport.com on Monday that that interest was the reason the Dutchman was listed.

"He expressed an interest in the position and that is why we put his name there," Aderibigbe said.

Hiddink's fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal, on Sunday, ruled himself out of the running for the job, despite also being listed, but Aderibigbe was tight-lipped on that candidate.

However, SuperSport.com understands from a board member who did not wish to be named, that van Gaal was listed on the recommendation of the sports ministry.

"He was never our candidate, but they assured us that he would come and even instructed us to go ahead and employ him."

The shortlisted candidates are due to be interviewed this month and Aderibigbe said the three candidates who made the final shortlist would be interviewed in Nigeria on February 26.

"They will all come down here for an interview and we will select the best candidate before the end of the month."