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Nwankwo Kanu's Birthday: Owerri Giant Blows Out 47 Candles

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Nwankwo Kanu's Birthday: Owerri Giant Blows Out 47 Candles
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A formidable scorer with an impressive size (1.97m, more than 90 kilos at the time of his splendor) Nwankwo Kanu, alias “Papilo” is part of the very closed circle of legends of the “Mother Continent” who have managed to win the African Ballon d'Or twice, like Didier Drogba, Roger Milla, George Weah and El-Hadji Diouf.

Endowed with exceptional technical qualities, combined with a formidable efficiency in front of goal, his ease and comfort in accomplishing the most subtle gestures despite his imposing physique have built his reputation.

It is in his hometown in Owerri that the Nigerian giant began his rich career spanning more than twenty years. First under the colours of Fed Works and then with Heartlandthe most prestigious club in its region, with which Kanu won the title of champion of the Nigeria in 1993.

The young prodigy finished the football season with 15 goals to his name and was then selected with the “Golden Eaglets» (nickname of the Nigerian national under-17 team) to play the World Cup from category to Japan.

Forming a fiery attack duo with his illustrious compatriot Tijjani Babangidabutterfly » then led his team to world glory, making waves five times during the competition.

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Photo: Nigeria U17 team, 1993 World Cup champions

Lured by the prowess of the gifted 17-year-old Nigerian, the leaders of theAjax Amsterdam then decide, under the recommendations of Louis Van Gaalto secure his services in August 1993.

With the Amsterdammers, the child ofImo will experience a meteoric rise. Dazzling the Dutch and European lawns with his talent despite his young age, he won three championship titles in The Netherlands from 1994 to 1996 and won the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 1995 facing the big one AC Milan. Aged 20 at the time, Nwankwo Kanu was one of the most sought-after young talents of the “Old Continent”.

Photo: Nwankwo Kanu, 1995 Champions League winner with Ajax Amsterdam

The man with the 87 capes with the Nigeria The following year, he would experience his greatest emotion in the national team by offering his country Olympic gold at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

At the height of his powers, the Olympic champion was elected African Golden Ball winner at just 21 years old. He then joined the ranks of theInter Milan and seemed destined for a golden future. But during his transfer to Italy, the doctors of the Milanese club detected a heart abnormality in him. The diagnosis was clear: without open heart surgery, Kanu will no longer be able to set foot on the green rectangle again!

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Many thought he was lost to football, but the Nigerian rock fought, found his form again after a long period of rest, before joining “His Majesty's Kingdom” on the side ofArsenal. He arrived at the “Gunners” on tiptoe, but left as a legend, with his name forever linked to the historic season of the invincibles.

In six seasons under the orders ofArsène Wengerhe notably won two championship titlesEngland (2002 and 2004) as well as a FA Cup (2002). His prowess on the British pitch earned him the title of “African player of the year” for the second time in his career.

After two brilliant new experiences within the prestigiousThe Premier League on the side of the West Bromwich Albion (from 2004-2006) and Portsmouth (from 2006 to 2012), the one who defended the jersey of the Super Eagles for 17 years (1994-2011) said goodbye to football at the end of the 2010/2011 season.

Tribute to the “giant ofOwerri » who undoubtedly has one of the finest records in African football.

Read also : >>Once upon a time, Africa at the World Cup: Nigeria 1994


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