Accra, Jan. 19, GNA- Some of Africa's top players have come together to help UNICEF raise funds for children across Africa to receive quality education.

A statement issued by UNICEF in Accra on Saturday said after a series of public service announcements players such as Samuel Eto'0, Stephen Appiah, Nwakwakwo Kanu, Saloman Lakou, Aaron Mokoena and Oumar Tchomogo are supporting UNICEF in the drive.

It said the players have revealed the importance of education to them personally and urged the public to support by donating through SMS text messaging or on UNICEF website.

"Education is key to everything. If you wish to do something beautiful for yourself or others, you need to have a good education. I often say to my own children to keep going with their education", the statement quoted Cameroonian, Eto'o , player for FC Barcelona as saying. "When I was at school, I liked a bit of everything but I enjoyed mathematics more than anything", he added.

UNICEF in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have joined together to promote a child's right to quality education.

The campaign would be featured during the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations, Ghana 2008, on billboards and in televised coverage of matches to raise awareness of the issue and raise funds, it added.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Issa Hayatou, CAF President said : "We know that across Africa and the world people will be watching the 16 teams competing.

"It is my belief that we as CAF should do something for the children of Africa, We have chosen to work with UNICEF to raise funds for school books, chalk and teacher training. I appeal to football fans everywhere to do their bit and support this appeal", Mr Hayatou added.

Kalou, of Cote d'Ivoire, according to the statement said, "I know UNICEF does a lot for children in Cote d'Ivoire and for many countries in Africa, creating more and better schools and helping children who cannot afford school".

"When I was at school, I really liked geography because it allowed me to study other countries; it allowed me to compare my own culture to other people's culture", Kalou added.

The statement said all funds raised would be used by UNICEF to support governments to realize the Millennium Development Goal to ensure that by 2015, children everywhere could complete primary school.