Coca-Cola raises World Cup dream

The Coca-Cola Company, has expressed its resounding belief that Nigeria can win the World Cup in the near future, as the country has all the potentials. This optimism was expressed at the press conference as well as the private viewing event of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, by the Division President for Coca-Cola Nigeria and Equitorial Africa, Mr. Larry Drake.

He stated that "Nigeria winning the World Cup is not an impossible task. But we at Coca-Cola believe that hard work, dedication and most importantly long term preparation and consistent support preparation are the key success factors. This way, you are ready when the opportunity comes. We can conquer if we believe we can. To this end, Coca-Cola. is making a major investment over the next four years in pursuit of this vision."

The FIFA World Cup Trophy will be visiting 29 countries, and for the first time ever, the authentic solid gold FIFA World Cup trophy has landed in Nigeria for the first time. Larry Drake pointed out though Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup, "Coca-Cola felt the need to bring the real FIFA World Cup trophy to Nigeria, so that our people can share in this spectacular experience. Having had the excitement of viewing the authentic World Cup Trophy, the next major moment will be to win it. No single sport speaks to the world like football and no single brand speaks to the world like Coca-Cola.’
Also speaking at the press conference, the Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria, Ms Anne Harte, explained that the ‘World Cup Trophy Tour comes out of our commitment by Coca-Cola to connect with Nigerians' passion for football and to present our football activity in a way no other brand can.
"The fans experience is an amazing event that offers fans all kinds of sensory and physical experiences. It will include interactive sessions, photo trophy area and a movie experience room where a fantastic 3-Dimensional film will show the trophy in a spectacular manner.

The Marketing Director said that the 4 teenage trophy bearers who escorted the trophy to Nigeria were chosen for their academic performance, their interest in sports and their overall contribution. It is important to recognise and reward diligence, sound character and a unifying spirit amongst teenagers.
The Franchise director, Mr. Carl Willis, restated that "Coca-Cola and football have become symbolically synonymous, and together, they are a natural fusion of real delight and pleasure."
The managing Director of the Nigerian Bottling Company, Mr. Marcel Martin concluded that the "the world cup trophy tour by Coca-Cola, should give us all a taste of the excitement and passion that we will all share in 2010, when I believe Nigeria will win the first ever world Cup in 2010."