Addis Ababa (Ethopia), Feb 8 (IANS): The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour will arrive in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on February 24, which gives Ethiopian fans the chance to experience football's most prestigious prize.
Speaking at a ceremony here, Junedin Basha, President of Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), said the event would be a big draw in a football-mad nation, reports Xinhua news agency.
"Ethiopia is home to 100 million people, most of whom are in the youth category. Its capital city Addis Ababa is the home to AU headquarter, so it makes sense to be chosen among 10 African countries the FIFA trophy will visit," he said.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour kicked off last September in host country Russia and will visit more than 50 countries across six continents, travelling 126,000 kilometers in nine months leading to the football tournament.
The trophy will arrive in Ethiopia from Sudan, with an opportunity for Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and other ministers to view the trophy at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. The trophy will stay for a total of two days in Ethiopia.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 15, 2018 in Russia.
Ethiopia has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, with the national football team struggling to make an impact in international events.