The world's most prestigious sports icon and symbol of football supremacy - the FIFA World Cup trophy - has finally arrived in the Gambia for an unexpected thrilling two-day tour sponsored by FIFA's main partners Coca Cola.

The real solid-gold trophy, which is on a 70-day tour of 52 African nations, touched down at the Banjul International Airport last night on board a chartered flight. Senior government officials, members of the Gambia Football Association as well as members of the tour committee, were at hand to receive the coveted trophy to be unveiled to the Gambian leader, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Yahya Jammeh today before thousands of football-loving Gambians can see it up close and candid at a big viewing session planned at the Independence Stadium later in the day.

Speaking to Observer Sports shortly after the trophy's arrival, the media delegate of the trophy tour, Emmanuel Maradas, said the Gambia was chosen as one of the host countries - thanks to the blessings they received from the Gambian leader who has since declared today as a half-day for public servants in honour of the trophy tour.

The FIFA senior official said the world football's governing body is very much aware of what the Gambia can offer on international football arena, hinting that it was not a coincidence that the country's cadet team have qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals to be hosted in Nigeria later this month. "We are very proud to bring the World Cup trophy to the Gambia. However, this would not have possible if not for the efforts of our main partners Coca Cola and your sports-loving president who is a true African state man," Maradas said glowingly as he urged Gambians to turn up in their numbers for today's viewing session at the nation's main stadium.

Welcoming the delegates to the Gambia, Ousman Sonko, the minister of interior who doubles as the vice chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the trophy tour, thanked FIFA on behalf of the Gambia government for giving Gambians the rare opportunity to set their eyes on the gold trophy they had only seen through the television before. Assuring them of a successful tour, Minister Sonko said the trophy's visit to the Smiling Coast of West Africa would further inspire its youngsters to strive to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals in not too far in the future.