ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour is expected to arrive in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, offering the East African country's huge football fan base a chance to experience world's most prestigious sports prize.

Ethiopia, where football is considered as the most popular sport and millions of fans follow both local and international matches, will receive the trophy as the country is chosen among 11 African countries to enjoy showcasing the trophy.

President of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), Junedin Basha, speaking in connection with the World Cup's tour, said that football has a greater recognition among Ethiopians, as the country is home to a burgeoning youth generation from the total 100 million people.

Basha also noted that the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, which is home to the African Union (AU) headquarters and other international organizations, "makes sense to be chosen among other 10 African countries that the FIFA trophy will visit."

The 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy tour kicked off last September in host country Russia and will visit more than 50 countries across six continents, travelling 126,000 kilometers in nine months leading to the football tournament.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 15. Enditem