Kanu Nwankwo and the ‘GOLDEN’ career that made Nigeria proud: A tribute as he turns 47
Born on August 1, 1976, Kanu Nwankwo turns 47 years today (1/8/2023), as tribute, Caretaker presents a tale of his ‘Golden’ career that made Nigeria proud.
IN THE BEGINNINGÂ
Born in Owerri, Imo State, Little Kanu Nwankwo was blessed with amazing footballing skills that made him a toast during street games in his locality.
The lanky youngster began his career at Nigerian league club Federation Works from where defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale signed him up for the 1992 football season.
His performances at Iwuanyanwu caught the attention of Nigeria U-17 handlers and so the forward was listed and represented Nigeria at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Young Kanu was a delight to watch and so it was unsurprising that Ajax Amsterdam representatives spotted this star at the U-17 World Cup to facilitate his transfer to the Dutch Eredivise giants in 1993.
And so, from 1992 to the summer of 1993, Kanu moved from playing street football to Federation Works, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, the U-17 World Cup and Europe with Ajax Amsterdam.
Like the woman in the then popular Peak milk advert – this star was bright enough and was destined to make us (Nigeria) proud.
THE GOLDEN MOMENTS IN ATLANTA
At Ajax Amsterdam, Kanu Nwankwo continued to soar and even tasted UEFA Champions League glory in 1995.
In 1996, the lanky forward was named in Nigeria’s U-23 squad to the Atlanta 1996 Olympic games.
As Captain of the star-studded Nigerian team, Kanu Nwankwo’s ‘Golden’ moment arrived in the semi-final against Brazil.
With Nigeria trailing 2-3 and the clock ticking towards a semi-final loss for Nigeria, a dark curve then witnessed a lightening turn around inspired by this star, Kanu.
The lanky forward netted a dramatic late equaliser to make it 3-3 and he then scored the ‘Golden Goal’ in extra-time to secure a 4-3 victory for the African nation.
To say it was a good day’s work from Kanu would be a serious understatement and his strike that broke Brazilian hearts in second half stoppage-time was absolutely outrageous.
The legendary Jay-Jay Okocha hurled the ball into the box from a throw-in and shortly after, it arrived at Kanu’s feet inside a crowed penalty area.
Kanu skillfully beat a Brazilian defender before sending a beautiful finish past Dida to hand Nigeria a place in the Olympics final.
Nigeria edged Argentina to win the Gold medal, the first African nation to do so, a memory yet to be replicated more than two decades after by any African team.
By this time, Nigerians were already proud and singing the name Kanu Nwankwo in tribute songs.
A STORY THAT TOUCHED THE HEARTÂ
Months after the golden moment in Atlanta, Kanu Nwankwo was diagnosed with a career threatening heart condition.
A story that touched the heart of Nigerians and the entire Football World.
Papilo as he is fondly called had a surgery and so missed what was supposed to be his debut season with Italian Serie A club Inter Milan whom he joined in the summer of 1996.
He survived, like stars do and went on to have enjoy further career highs.
THE REVIVAL AT ARSENAL
After the surgery, Kanu Nwankwo never hit his stride at Inter Milan and so was shipped to English Premier League club Arsenal where the new environment and tutelage of Arsene Wenger inspired a revival.
In over 100 appearances, Kanu Nwankwo won the Premier League twice, three English FA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup runners up finish and earned legendary status at the London Club
WEST BROM AND PORTSMOUTH TO CONCLUDE THE JOURNEYÂ
With Papilo aging, a move to West Bromwich Albion and later Portsmouth FC followed to conclude a decorated club football journey.
At Portsmouth, Kanu Nwankwo tasted Cup glory and by 2012 was ready to say goodbye to the sport that brought him many golden moments.
Let’s not forget he was still involved with the Nigeria Super Eagles, making 86 appearances. Despite not being one of the most prolific players to wear the greem-white-green, Kanu Nwankwo was a key player and even captained the team before his retirement.
KANU NWANKWO TODAY
As he turns 47 years today, Kanu Nwankwo has began a new journey in football management after taking over as Enyimba FC Chairman in July 2023.
His experience, expertise and globally recognized status as one of the best Nigerian footballers in his days will be invested towards building another golden era at Enyimba International FC.
