Backers behind the Invest for Africa scheme say Sunderland will overtake Manchester United as Africa's No1 team.

Aidan Heavey is chief executive of Tullow Oil, one of the founders of the non-profit-making scheme set up by companies on the continent to encourage investment.

He said: "Sunderland will be Africa's No 1 club.

"Africans are very proud. If you were a kid in school, what shirt would you want? You would want one that said Africa.

"The companies sponsor work with schools, providing balls and shirts. That will work for Sunderland.

"We're not up there at the moment, United are biggest, but Sunderland will be famous."