RUSSIA UNVEIL WORLD CUP 2018 MASCOT

The Russian football national team has unveiled their official mascot for the 2018 world cup. The mascot nicknamed Zabivaka, which means “the one who scores” in Russian has been described as “charming, confident and social.”

Zabivaka who beat other competitors for the position of mascot earned an impressive 53% to be unveiled the official Russian mascot for the 2018 world cup.

The Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko while unveiling the mascot said: “I am sure Zabivaka will be a massive hit among fans at the Confederations Cup in 2017 and 2018 World Cup.”

Also, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura, who was at the unveiling ceremony, added that the selection of Zabivaka was based on preferences of Russian kids collected through online surveys. Samoura added her delight at the collective team effort of the Russian people towards making the 2018 world cup a success.

The 2018 World CUp is set to be the most watched sporting event in the world, with many expecting it to surpass the Olympics this time around. A whole festival of football is built around it, with football specials bets including player, manager, team and international ones helping to make the competitions as interesting as possible even for fans of countries that aren't taking part.

Worthy of mention is former Brazilian talisman who graced the unveiling ceremony of Zabivaka in Moscow, he expressed his delight by stating he was impressed and has no doubt that Zabivaka would light up the stage come 2018 world cup in Russia.

Mascots have long been used in the world of sport to promote events and bring joy to the games. According to pundits, Zabivaka would definitely be an instant hit and would be remembered and loved by football lover around the world.

Zabivaka who has been described as an ardent football lover values his team mates and shows utmost respect to opposition team, also, he plays with dexterity and a sense of purpose. The mascot is a joy to be around and is ready at all time to put smiles on the faces of fans.

Come 2018 world cup, Zabivaka would be putting on cool sport glasses and taking fun pictures that would further endear him to teeming fans.