#10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kanu Nwankwo As He Turns 45 Years Today

Nigerian former player, Kanu Nwankwo celebrates his 45th birthday. Kanu was a member of Super Eagles till he retired from football in 2010 after World Cup

Below are ten things you probably did not know about him

1. He was Super Eagle’s captain from 1994 until 2010 when he retired from international football

2. He underwent a heart surgical operation in 1996 and did not return to his club until April 1997

3. He featured in three World Cups (1998, 2002 & 2010) and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010).

4. He’s one of the few Africa players that have won UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic gold medal

5. The only twice winner of African footballer of the year without a single goal at six African Cup of Nations, and three world cups.

6. With 86 caps, Kanu is the player with the third most appearances for the Super Eagles after Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama.

7. He was crowned African Player of year in 1996 and 1999 and he is the last Nigerian to win it.

8. Kanu was owed wages of up to £3 million by Portsmouth from 2006 – 2012 but dropped the case against the club due to their financial difficulties.

9. He was signed by Ajax in 1993 where he scored 25 goals in 54 appearances

10. In 2016, Kanu was named one of the 48 greatest footballers ever by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

Nwankwo Kanu is a benedict, his name and personality carries a lot of grace & providence