Backer opposing directions to follow in one's footprints (7)
I believe the answer is:
sponsor
'backer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'opposing directions to follow in one's footprints' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'directions' could be 'ns' (N is an example) and 'ns' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'spoor' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sponsor that I've seen before include "One funding an event" , "Godparent; financial supporter" , "One giving money in support of an event" , "Promoter, godparent" , "Financial backer" .)