FROM Sao Tome and Principe Islands, the Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, reaches Gabon today.

The trophy arrives in Libreville aboard a chartered plane this afternoon from neighboring islands of Sao Tome.

Gabon becomes the 26th country on the continent which has had a chance to host the world’s most coveted trophy.

25 African Presidents had by Thursday kissed the 18 carat gold and a malachite base trophy, and more wait in glee, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame when it arrives in Kigali on November 10.

So closely guarded is world sport’s most coveted prize that only a selected few, mainly Heads of State, previous winners and the world football governing body, Fifa, president, are allowed to lay their hands on the golden trophy.

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