Abedi wants 2010 finals

Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele wants his country to ditch plans to host the 2008 Nations Cup finals and bid for the 2010 edition instead.

Ghana, joint hosts of the 2000 finals with Nigeria, have declared their intention to stage the continental showpiece in 2008.

Algeria and Ethiopia are also in the frame, but Pele believes Ghana should take advantage of the fact that the World Cup will be held on African soil for the first time in 2010.

"The whole world will be looking at Africa in 2010 because the World Cup is coming here," said Abedi, the only man to have won the African Footballer of the Year award three times in a row.

He continued: "If I had my way Ghana would bid for 2010, but I only advise and say what I think.

"If people think that what I'm saying is right, then they can go for it.

"For instance, If South Africa were to host 2010 World Cup, there would be huge benefits for Ghana as there are a lot of South African businessmen in Ghana."

Despite his reservations about a 2008 bid, Abedi, who tasted Nations Cup glory with the Black Stars in 1982 at the tender age of 17, said he is still prepared to back it.

"Ghana is my country and even though 2010 is my dream, I'm going to support the 2008 bid with my whole heart and all the strength I have."