Glasgow has emerged as the firm favourite to secure to 2014 Commonwealth Games after rivals Abuja were dealt a huge blow in the final report on the bids.

Glasgow has emerged as the firm favourite to secure to 2014 Commonwealth Games after rivals Abuja were dealt a huge blow in the final report on the bids.

Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell vowed to "bring the prize home" after doubt was cast the Nigerians, adequacy as hosts.

In contrast, Glasgow received high praise in the Commonwealth Games Federation's official technical report.

The CGF's evaluation commission's verdict on Glasgow's candidature concluded: "Glasgow has demonstrated an understanding of the major requirements to stage the Commonwealth Games."

It added that, if all the pledges are fulfilled, Glasgow would deliver "to a standard which would continue to enhance the image and prestige of the Games".

A final decision on which city will stage the 2014 Games will be made at the CGF's general assembly in Colombo, Sri Lanka on November 9, however Nigerian hopes have been dealt a clear blow by the appraisal of Glasgow's bid.

Purcell said: "We are in the home straight. We know what we have to do and there will be no complacency. It is time to go forward and bring the prize home."

He explained: "This report backs up what we have been trying to say all along. Given the chance, Glasgow will host the best Games the Commonwealth has ever seen.

"I am delighted that the evaluation commission recognised that all the infrastructure is in place or committed and that the bid's finances are sound.

"They also recognised that our plans will leave behind a legacy for everyone in our city."

The CGF report states that the Glasgow proposals "are grounded in a thoughtful and practical approach" and "venue and legacy issues were appropriately addressed with obvious sensitivity to Glasgow's long-term needs".

Whereas the evaluation commission stressed that Glasgow had every relevant guarantee in place, the same did not apply in their summing up of Abuja's credentials.

The report into Abuja's bid states that "there are a number of areas which require further attention and development within the proposals put forward" and "any decision to award the Games to Abuja should be conditional on these matters being addressed".

Scotland's sports minister Stewart Maxwell welcomed the report and hopes its findings translate into a Glasgow victory.

Maxwell said: "I'm delighted that the evaluation commission report recognises how much hard work and enthusiasm has gone into preparing Scotland's Commonwealth Games bid.

"The report says that Glasgow has shown it has the ability to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games to a standard which would continue to enhance the image and prestige of the Games.

"This is another hugely positive step which I hope will help Glasgow secure this once-in-a-lifetime event.

"With just two months to go until the members of the Commonwealth Games Federation gather for their summit in Colombo to choose the winner, I hope members will now be as convinced as we are that Glasgow is the perfect venue for the Games in 2014."

The reports on each city are broken down into 16 categories, including culture, security, accommodation, finance, politics and economics, and marketing.

Glasgow is praised almost across without exception, although the CGF have requested clarification on some issues, whereas questions are repeatedly raised about Abuja's proposals.

The report questions Abuja's ability to raise £80million through marketing, describing that aim as "a significant challenge and risk to the Games budget".

Questions marks are also placed beside issues such as technology, Abuja hotel accommodation and specifically guaranteed room rates for 2014, and the suitability of venues, many of which have not gained international federation approval.

Glasgow has international federation approval for each of its proposed venues.

Louise Martin, chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, pledged to keep working on every last detail to ensure the Games come to Glasgow.

She said: "We will use every minute of every day we have left before the vote in Sri Lanka to continue to promote our Games. We will not take our foot off the gas."