FIFA will be taking the Women’s World Cup trophy on a tour across the globe, with Nigeria among the stops.
The world football governing body announced the tour today ahead of the tournament scheduled for Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
The trophy will visit all the 32 countries that are billed to participate at the Women’s World Cup.
The tour will start in Japan on February 25 and end in Germany on May 2, with the other 30 countries in between.
Nigeria’s turn will come on March 26, which is the last day for the trophy in Africa.
Morocco is Africa’s first stop for the trophy tour on March 20, followed by a two-day visit to continental champions South Africa on March 22 and 23, and Zambia on March 24.
Nigeria, who finished a disappointing fourth at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last July to qualify for the World Cup, will face hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and debutants Ireland in the global tournament.
“The biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour will embark on a game-changing global journey this month, stoking excitement across the planet ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023,” FIFA stated on its official website today.
“The tour will take the iconic Trophy to all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before – and will inspire people of all ages by ‘Going Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity of the women’s game. At the heart of this mission will be a unique opportunity for members of the public to get creative and showcase their footballing ability to a global audience.
“Skills Drills will give willing participants worldwide the chance to try out fun football challenges that become tougher over time and then share their imaginative efforts on TikTok.
“As the Trophy travels from stop to stop, selected women and girls who have participated in Skills Drills will join FIFA Legends, local national team stars and other famous faces to highlight the game’s emerging talent and increase the buzz around the Women’s World Cup.”
FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said the trophy tour would be a great experience and inspiration for women’s football lovers across the world.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour is a spectacular global celebration of the women’s game, giving fans, families and future football enthusiasts an opportunity to be inspired and become part of a truly special journey,” Samoura said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in women’s football in person and hear from the game’s legends. The tour will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”
