South Africa 2006 World Cup bid chairman Irvin said the Nigerian decision had come as a massive vote of confidence for the South African candidature.
Nigeria pulled out of the race on Monday with sports minister Emeka Omeruah saying his government had issued a directive that Nigeria should support South Africa's attempt to bring the World Cup finals to Africa for the first time.
"For a big footballing country like Nigeria to throw its weight behind us like that is a huge boost that will make us work even harder to win the bid," Khoza said.
"It also makes it easier for the Confederatioon of African Football," added Khoza.
CAF are caught in a dilemma with two African countries still in the race. Morocco are the other African candidate still bidding for the 2006 World Cup and CAF are expected to attempt to get one of the pair to withdraw to allow just a single African candidate for the bid.
Nigeria's withdrawal has narrowed the 2006 World Cup bidding countries to Brazil, England, Germany, Morocco and South Africa.
Reuters
