Nigeria to clinch hosting right of 2010 Nations Cup

[Richard Akindele]

As Nigeria scales the first hurdle in its bid to host the MTN/CAF 2010 African Nations Cup, Nigeria Football Association (NFA) says it is optimistic that Nigeria will succeed.

Nigeria's bid was among the four short-listed by CAF on Sunday in Cairo for the second phase of the bids for the championship.

Eight countries had earlier submitted bids but after a CAF executive meeting presided over by CAF President Isa Hayatou, Nigeria, along with Angola, Libya and Equatorial Guinea/Gabon (Joint Bid), passed the first phase.

Reacting to the situation, NFA Spokesman Barnabas Joro said the association was pleased at the news and pledged to collaborate with "appropriate authorities" to win the final right.

"We have the best stadia and facilities and we will prepare in good time because of our quest to do Africa proud," he said.

On the need to upgrade the stadia ahead of CAF inspection visit, Joro said: "Nigeria is always ready and capable of handling such issues."

The African soccer governing body is expected to award the final hosting right in September.

Source: Xinhua