Nigeria Wrestling Federation president Daniel Igali is confident that the country is ready to host the African championships after an inspection visit by Fouad Meskout, President of United World Wrestling-Africa.
Meskout was in Nigeria to inspect facilities in the southern city of Port Harcourt, which is bidding to host the 2018 Africa Wrestling Championship, and Igali, an Olympic gold medalist, made a case for the country.
"Since 1976, Nigeria has not hosted the African Championship. It is about time for Nigeria. We have the capacity, material wealth and full support of the Rivers State Government. We are confident we will not lack anything," said Igali.
"I am confident that after we host next year's edition, in 2019, they will ask Nigeria to host again because it will be the best in the history of the competition."
As part o the visit, Meskout held a meeting with Nigeria's Minister of Youth and Sport, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
Tunisia are the other country in the race for the hosting rights, and the winner will be announced on August 18 in Switzerland with the tournament scheduled to take place in February 2018.