Nigeria has removed itself from the race just 24 hours before the candidature countries had been due to make their initial bid presentations to soccer governing body FIFA.
The bid had been favoured by many to push race favourite South Africa all the way in the battle to host soccer's biggest event.
In announcing the decision, Nigeria's sports minister, Musa Mohammed commented: "In the spirit of African brotherhood, and Nigeria, especially with her cordial relationship with South Africa, the federal government has withdrawn from the bid of the 2010 World Cup fiesta and lends its full support to South Africa."
Mohammed's reasoning for the decision to pull out of the race stemmed from Nigeria being overburdened by other commitments, including the hosting of the All Africa Games from October 4-18.
Nigeria had been one of six African countries bidding to host the 2010 tournament - the first time the World Cup will take place on the continent.
The remaining countries in the race - Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia - will each make a 30-minute presentation to a FIFA panel tomorrow.
Nigeria has pulled out of the race to host the 2010 World Cup and announced its support of the South African bid.
