The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said Nigeria should have made a joint bid with Morocco to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fashola, who was Lagos State governor when Nigeria hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup between 24 October to 15 November 2009, said the country can be an awesome host.

Morocco, however, submitted his bid to host the mundial in March. Under FIFA rules as of 2017, the 2026 Cup cannot be in either Europe or Asia.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 countries competing for the prestigious 4-year tournament, 16 teams more than the initial present 32-team format.

“Morocco is bidding to host the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria should have jointly bid with Morocco because we can do it,” Fashola said. 

“With the expanded format of the World Cup, it will now be too expensive for one country to host it.

“Like we did when we hosted the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup when the gauntlet is thrown at us, we will rise to the occasion.

“The indomitable, undying spirit of the Nigerian will come to the fore when we have a deadline to meet.

“We will clean up our house to welcome visitors from around the world.”

The North African country as well as a joint bid by the USA, Canada and Mexico, have been authoritatively submitted to World football governing body for consideration.

FIFA will announce the successful bid on June 13.