Nigeria want Toppmoller

Nigeria have asked Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller to lead their team in this summer's World Cup.

The Leverkusen coach received the surprise offer following his team's incredible run in the Champions League, which has seen them reach the final.

However Bayer general manager Reiner Calmund doubts Toppmoller will accept the offer.

"It was a big surprise, but also a great honour for us," Calmund told German TV channel Premiere.

"The Nigerian Association has made us an offer for Toppi. However, I doubt he will leave the club now that he has been so successful.

"But as far as I know he has no holiday plans for this summer, so maybe he'll take a trip to Japan with the Nigerians."

So far Toppmoller has refused to comment on the offer himself.

According to Nigerian officials, the idea to make a bid for Toppmoller was based on the success of his fellow countryman Winnie Schaefer with Cameroon.