The excitement over the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa rose yesterday in Lagos with the unveiling of the world's biggest ball by MTN, sponsors of the global football fiesta. At 36 feet high, it is officially the biggest ball on the planet. Emblazoned on the ball, which is made in the yellow colour of the sponsors, are the words MTN and Guinness World Records to signify that it is without question the biggest ball in the world at the moment.

The unveiling, which took place at the grounds of the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi, attracted a motley crowd of businessmen, artists, footballers and sundry other people.

It was a colourful event, made memorable by the performance of Nigerian Pop star TuFace Idibia, who performed the World Cup theme song composed by American singer, Kelly Rowland. Also on hand to spice up the event were two former Super Eagles, Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha and Daniel Amokachi, as well as current Eagles vice-captain, Joseph Yobo.