Lagosians came out in droves of excitement on Saturday to celebrate the arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy in the city and get a view of the coveted World Cup.

The Trophy which arrived Nigeria on Wednesday, courtesy of Coca-Cola, and was received by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, after which it continued on the second leg of its two-city tour of Nigeria, landing in Lagos on Friday.

The World Cup Trophy was received on Friday in Lagos by Amanju Pinnick, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); Peter Rufai, Rtd. Nigerian Footballer; Christian Karembeu, Rtd. French International; Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles Technical Adviser; and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Others were representatives of the Coca-Cola Company, Nigeria Bottling Company, Cultural Troupes and many football loving members of the public.

Dr. Kweku Tando, Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the management of Coca-Cola and the Nigeria Football Federation for ensuring residents of Lagos had an opportunity to sight the Trophy.

“We (Lagos State Government) wish the Super Eagles a wonderful and excellent outing in Russia,” Tando, who represented Gov. Ambode, said.

After Friday’s arrival and private viewing at the EKO Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, hundreds of Lagos residents, including children came out on Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) to catch a glimpse of the cup.

Many of the excited residents revealed that it was a golden opportunity to see the cup while also thanking the organisers, Coca-Cola for the gesture.

Aside from the opportunity to get their pictures taken with the coveted cup, fans also participated in a lot of other games, while music performances from top rated local artists thrilled the fans who came to the event.

Expressing their excitement, some of the fans said they never imagined that they will have such an opportunity to see the World Cup Trophy live at absolutely no cost.

“I am super excited today, seeing the World Cup trophy live is a big deal for me, I hope I will see it again when the Super Eagles bring it back from Russia,” one of the enthusiastic fans who identified himself as Lolade Badiru stated.

Also, a nine-year-old boy, Taiwo Tivlam, said that it was a wonderful experience for him and his two siblings.

Tivlam said his dream would be to play football and represent the country at World Cup competitions.

“When my parents told me about this trophy tour, I thought it was a joke until we got to TBS and I witnessed it. I am really excited,” he said.

Bhupendra Suri, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, reiterated that what was brought to Nigeria and what is being taken around the world is “the original, solid gold FIFA World Cup Trophy” and not a replica, and that Nigeria is one of few special countries where the trophy was seen in two different cities.

This is the fourth Global Tour by the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the third time it would be visiting Nigeria.