FIFA president Gianni Infantino climaxed a visit to the Nigerian capital Abuja, accompanied by new secretary-general Fatma Samoura.
There are presently 32 finalists for the World Cup, with Africa represented by five teams.
Infantino, elected in February this year, arrived in Abuja on Sunday on a two-day visit.
He was accompanied by new Secretary General Fatma Samoura, who until her appointment in May headed the UN Development Programme in the West African country.
Infantino, who earlier met with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, described him as “a friend of football”.
The FIFA chief said he regards Nigeria as the bedrock for the development of football on the continent.
During his visit, Infantino met with 18 federation presidents across Africa and also attended the final of a national youth tournament.