But Harry Redknapp's troops were today flying the flag as they jetted out to Abuja for the inaugural Tinapa Invitational Soccer Fiesta.

The three-day tour will see the Blues take on Nigerian champions Kano Pillars tomorrow and then Manchester United on Sunday, both at the National Stadium in the nation's capital Abuja.

Sell-outs are expected as fans flock to catch a glimpse of superstars only previously seen on their television sets.

As the event's liaison officer, BBC journalist Garth Crooks has been heavily involved in the tournament's organisation.

He's seen at first hand how much the Nigerian people are relishing the visits of the English duo.

And Crooks is convinced it's a momentous event which will go down in Nigerian sporting history.

He said: 'They have never had Premier League teams out there before, ever.

'In fact, no-one has been to west Africa, let alone Nigeria, and for that reason Portsmouth are making genuine history.

'They have been trying for many, many, many years to get Premier League clubs over there. Now it's going to happen.

'This is an inaugural event, the first time it has ever happened and for that reason the people over there are jumping up and down in anticipation.

'It's not just Nigeria who are excited, either. They are coming from all over to watch these Premier League teams in action.

'They're flying in from Ghana, Cameroon, everywhere. The Abuja stadium holds 60,000 and the indication is it's going to be full.

'The Nigerian people are football mad, with Manchester United and Arsenal the two most popular teams. But the Portsmouth team is very, very attractive to them, too.

'There are a number of Africans in the side like Kanu, Utaka and Diop, fantastic players, and I think Manchester United will be surprised by the amount of people who will be cheering them on.

'There will be a tremendous support for Portsmouth, I have no doubt about that.'

More than 140 million live in Nigeria, making it Africa's most populated country and the eighth most populated in the world.

That factor, coupled with the fervent interest in Premier League football and the lack of previous visits by teams, makes it a commercial market ripe for plucking.

And Crooks believes both Pompey and United can benefit.
He added: 'The fact Portsmouth are FA Cup winners is going to attract interest and they may start to bite into the Nigerian market.

'Nigeria is very vibrant, often beautiful and is commercially active while their currency, the naira, is extremely stable.

'The economy seems to be growing very fast at the moment and that's why they can afford to introduce foreign popular stars and sports stars.

'The likes of Shakira, Kelly Rowland, Jay-Z and Beyonce have all performed there recently.

'As a result, they are very keen to lock into the Premier League community. They have already got access to all the commercial television outlets.

'Manchester United chief executive David Gill is only too aware of the potential to go there and break new markets.

'And if the event is a success – and there is no reason it will not be – it's the next natural stage.'

Crooks himself will be present during the tournament's duration ensuring the organisation aspect runs smoothly.

The former Spurs and West Brom striker has been to Nigeria on several occasions.

And he's looking forward to returning and seeing the impact of Premier League football in a different continent.

He said: 'All credit to the Premier League for organising this.
'As for Kanu, I have not spoken to him but I get the feeling he's wildly proud because he's part of the first Premier League team to go there.

'They are all part of something very historic.

'Meeting Manchester United at the airport will be 50 school children aged 12 and 13 and when Rio Ferdinand walks into that room their faces will light up. A year ago this type of visit was unheard of – now aspirations are being realised.'