Nigerian-Americans in Connecticut watched closely the presidential election in their native homeland on Saturday.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal met with members of The African Community in Connecticut (ACC) in Bridgeport. He called the race "a test of freedom" in Africa's largest democracy.

Eighteen candidates competed to replace Nigeria's 80-year-old leader, Muhammadu Buhari, who rose to power in a coup 40 years ago.

"So today is big. We might be out of the country, we may not even have the right to vote in this election, but whatever happens in this election also concerns us, so we are very eager to see the results of this election," said African Community in Connecticut Chairman Chuck Dikko.

"All of our country should be paying attention because this democratic exercise of franchise there will set a tone for all of Africa," Blumenthal said.

Experts said many young professionals are leaving Nigeria in droves for better opportunities in places like the United Kingdom and the United States as the country battles organized crime, nepotism and other challenges.