Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport in Accra

The key players in Africa's joint bid

Nigerian and Ghanaian officials have signed an agreement to begin preparations towards a joint hosting of the World Cup in 2010.

A delegation from Nigeria, including Sports Minister Steven Akiga and Bid Chairman Segun Odegbami met with their Ghanaian counterparts to outline plans to fulfil Fifa's bid requirements.

Ghana's Sports Minister, Edward Osei Kwaku, said it meant they were fully behind the project.

"It is a sign of our commitment and the role we have to play towards the staging of this World Cup with our Nigerian brothers," he said.

The co-hosts Nigeria Ghana Togo Benin Cameroon

Akiga said the agreement was that Ghana should provide two venues for the World Cup.

Nigeria, as the main host, will be building four.

Togo and Benin have also expressed a firm interest in taking part in the joint bid, but Cameroon are yet to commit.