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One of Nigeria’s best soccer players, Kanu Nwankwo, turns 49 today.
Born in Owerri, Imo state, on August 1, 1976, Kanu’s trip from street football in the southeast to lift trophies in Europe remains one of the most inspiring stories of African football.
Kanu began his professional career with the works of the Federation, before leaving his mark on Iwuanyanwu Nationale during the 1992–93 Nigerian league season.
His youth exploits earned him the captaincy of the golden eagles of Nigeria, which led them to the victory in the 1993 FIFA World Cup in Japan.
His performances caught the attention of the best European clubs, and finally sealed a movement towards Dutch giants AFC Ajax.
During his time in Ajax (1993-1996), Kanu won three Eredivisie titles and was part of the team that secured the UEFA Champions League of 1995, making a substitute appearance in the final against AC Milan.
In 1996, Inter Milan signed Kanu, but a routine doctor revealed a potentially deadly cardiac defect. The reverse forced him to open heart surgery, a battle that surpassed with remarkable courage.
Kanu returned to action and won the 1998 UEFA Cup with Inter, demonstrating his resistance and commitment to the game.
Kanu’s most emblematic club spell came with Arsenal, whom he joined in 1999.
He became a fans in Highbury for his performances of Flair and Clutch, mostly memorably his impressive 15-minute hat-trick in a return victory against Chelsea.
He played a key role in the “Invincible” 2003-04 season of Arsenal, helping Gunners win the premier League title without losing a single game.
After leaving Arsenal, Kanu played for West Brom and then Portsmouth, where he scored the winning goal in the FA 2008 Cup final against Cardiff City.
He retired in 2012 after a race that covered almost two decades at the highest level.
Internationally, Kanu obtained 86 caps for the Nigeria national team, scoring 12 goals. He won the Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996, scoring twice in the dramatic semifinal against Brazil.
He also represented Nigeria in three world cups of FIFA and was appointed African footballer of the year twice (1996 and 1999).
Beyond football, Kanu has left an indelible brand through his humanitarian work.
He founded the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has financed hundreds of cardiac surgeries for disadvantaged African children.
His personal battle with heart disease became a life mission to save lives throughout the continent.
In recognition of his contributions to sport and society, Kanu was honored with the member of the Niger Order (mon) and later the Niger Order officer (OON).
While Nwankwo Kanu turns 49 today, taxes continue to reach a man who stands as a true icon of Nigerian football and a source of global inspiration.
