President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that the country will bid to host the 2025 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships.
Gusau, speaking on the sidelines of the 2018 African Athletics Championships in Asaba, Nigeria, said that the bid had received the backing of the country’s government and sports ministry.
He added that a total of six countries from Africa were likely to compete in the bidding race.
Last year, Confederation of African Athletics president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum confirmed that that the continent had targeted hosting the 2025 edition, with the organisation having held talks with representatives of Nigeria, as well as Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa.
Under Nigeria’s plans, the main stadium in Abuja would be renovated, with new railway connections to be built to improve access to the competition venue.
“Abuja offers excellent traffic and road networks complemented by standard hotels and hospitality facilities,” Gusau told the Daily Trust. “By 2025, Nigeria will be ready to host the world. The government has put not just Asaba, but Nigeria on the world map of athletics.”
