A stay in Sardinia, a jaunt in Spain or a break in the Algarve would have been more preferable as pre-season destinations.

Still, the Blues boss recognises the benefits of spending three days in Nigeria.

It may be unknown territory for the majority of Pompey's squad, nonetheless the tour promises to be interesting.

With Nigerian champions Kano Pillars and Manchester United forming the opposition, on the footballing front it will be competitive.

Off the pitch it will provide the opportunity for the football-mad Nigerian people to welcome Premier League teams to their country for the first-ever time.

And for Redknapp (left), the advantages of promoting his football team abroad cannot be ignored.

He said: 'I must admit, this is going to involve a lot of travelling which is not the ideal way to prepare for the new season.

'But I can see the reasons for doing it and I'm sure it will be worthwhile for everyone.

'This is the chance to take football around the world, to visit another country and give them the game.

'I'm told football is extremely popular in Nigeria. There should be sell-out crowds to watch our games because they want to see Premier League teams play.

'As a team, there's not an awful lot you can get from it, to be honest. But it's like everything now. We have been asked to go with Manchester United to the other side of the world to publicise the game so we will.

'Last year we went to Hong Kong and that was good. I thought that was great, I really enjoyed that.

'We played Fulham and Liverpool and they were good games with teams
looking to win and it was competitive.

'We've got Manchester United on the Sunday but that will be completely different to the Community Shield. We'll be playing out there in the heat. It will be a bit slower and not as competitive. But I'm sure this will be an enjoyable trip.'

After taking in Nigeria, Pompey will spend four days in South Africa's Cape Town.
That itinerary doesn't include competitive matches, although the players will be training as well as finding time for sightseeing.

And striker David Nugent is one who is relishing the trips.

Nugent added: 'I've never been to Nigeria in my life. I didn't intend to, but we are going now and I'm looking forward to it.

'We've got a game against Manchester United and it's always great to play against opposition like that, testing yourself against the best.
'There's South Africa as well. I've never been there before and going safari should be good.'