THE battle to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games has taken a less-than-friendly turn with Glasgow's only rival for the event claiming the city has "no chance".

Members of the Abuja 2014 bid team, which became Glasgow's sole challenger after Halifax in Nova Scotia pulled out over cost fears, insist the Nigerian city has the backing of all the African Commonwealth nations.

If Abuja is successful, it would be the first time the Games have been staged in Africa.

Mitchell Obi, of the team, said Abuja's bid also had the support of the Caribbean Commonwealth associations.

It needs 36 votes from 71 associations. Africa has 18 associations and the Caribbean has 15, totalling 33. The decision will be made in Sri Lanka in November.

Mr Obi said: "The support from fellow African countries has been overwhelming and Glasgow has no chance.

"We have received support all round, we have a bid appealing to so many in the Commonwealth family. We believe we have what it takes to host the Games."

Derek Casey, Glasgow 2014 bid director, said he hoped the only criteria used by voters is which city is best for Commonwealth athletes. He said: "It is important the Games go to Africa at some point.

"It is up to the voters to decide if it is the right time and the right country."

Observers in Nigeria claim the bid team was confident but still had a job to do in winning the public's backing, with much of the population believing it will have no impact on their lives.

A spokesman for the Glasgow bid added: "It is not for the bidding teams to decide who has a chance or not. That decision ultimately rests with the voters.

"We're confident Glasgow has an extremely strong bid."