04/06/2008 12:00, Report by Nick CoppackReds announce Nigeria stopManchester United will play Portsmouth in a pre-season exhibition match in Nigeria in July.
At a press conference at Old Trafford today, chief executive David Gill confirmed the game against the FA Cup winners will be added to United's existing commitments in Africa.
The Reds are heading to South Africa for three games against Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates between 19 July and 26 July and will now play in Abuja, Nigeria shortly afterwards, en route back to England.
"Research has shown Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base - some 13million supporters - so this is an opportunity for us to say thank you to those fans," said David Gill.
"We're looking forward to a carnival atmosphere when we play in Nigeria."
Of course, the Reds are also due to face Portsmouth at Wembley in the Community Shield on Sunday 10 August.
"We didn't plan it to be a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield," Gill laughed, "but it's a nice coincidence.
"We'll take a strong squad. All the English players will be there - people like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves, for instance.
"Those players who are involved in and do well at the European Championships won't make the trip [to South Africa or Nigeria]."
At a press conference at Old Trafford today, chief executive David Gill confirmed the game against the FA Cup winners will be added to United's existing commitments in Africa.
The Reds are heading to South Africa for three games against Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates between 19 July and 26 July and will now play in Abuja, Nigeria shortly afterwards, en route back to England.
"Research has shown Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base - some 13million supporters - so this is an opportunity for us to say thank you to those fans," said David Gill.
"We're looking forward to a carnival atmosphere when we play in Nigeria."
Of course, the Reds are also due to face Portsmouth at Wembley in the Community Shield on Sunday 10 August.
"We didn't plan it to be a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield," Gill laughed, "but it's a nice coincidence.
"We'll take a strong squad. All the English players will be there - people like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves, for instance.
"Those players who are involved in and do well at the European Championships won't make the trip [to South Africa or Nigeria]."