In a dress rehearsal of this year’s Community Shield match-up, current European Champions and two-time defending Premier League champions, Manchester United, will take on FA Cup holders Porthsmouth FC in an exhibition game at the 60,000 National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria on Sunday, July 27.” Our own research has shown Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base–some 13.6 million supporters–so this is an opportunity for us to say thank you to those fans,” United chief executive David Gill told a news conference.

Unfortunately for fans of the Red Devils, Portuguese ace, Cristiano Ronaldo, will not partake in the proceedings or make the trip as United seek to protect their crown jewel after his exertions for his country at Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Amidst growing speculation over his departure to Real Madrid of Spain, many fans will certainly be disappointed at Ronaldo’s no-show in Africa’s most populous country, though Angola’s Manucho may finally make his Manchester debut. Prior to the much anticipated clash, Pompey will take on the winners of a match between a Nigeria “B” team and a Nigerian Premier League club on Friday, July 25.

The Blues boast a number of African players, which has seen their popularity surge within African circles. Among their ranks are, Lauren Etame of Cameroon, Sulley Muntari of Ghana, Papa Bouba Diop of Senegal, and Nigerians John Utaka and Kanu Nwankwo–captain of the Nigerian Super Eagles–whose solitary strike won the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in May. United will fly in after the completion of their pre-season tour in South Africa which ends on July 26, and coincidentally both teams will also trade tackles two weeks later on Sunday, August 10, in the annual curtain raiser of the English season that pits the FA Cup holders against the league champions. Kudos to the English for finally realizing the huge potential of the African market, and having two Premier League clubs square up for the first time on a continent other than Asia.