Ebonyi fans celebrate as Kanu Nwankwo clocks 46
Fans in Ebonyi joined millions across the country and the world on Monday to celebrate football maestro and former Super Eagles skipper, Kanu Nwankwo, as he turned 46.
The FIFA U-17 world cup winner had 86 caps for Nigeria between 1994 and 2010, scoring 13 goals in the process.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year winner also had illustrious football careers with defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri, Ajax Amsterdam of Holland and Arsenal of England.
Fans who spoke in Abakaliki felicitated with “Papillo’’ and wished him more fruitful years ahead.
Maxwell Anuka, Salt City FC of Abakaliki, hailed Kanu for being inspirational to youths which had made many of them to be positively engaged.
“I raptly listened to Kanu telling his life story as a resource person during the #EndSARS youth summit organised by the Ebonyi government in 2021.
“I became instantly motivated and took a step towards my future after listening to his rags to riches story,’’ Anuka said.
Dr Jude Mbam, an Educationist described Kanu as a legend, noting that what he could not attain academically, he made up with football successes.
“Kanu won FIFA U-17 world cup medal, UEFA Champions League medal and an Olympic Games football gold medal.
“He also won an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) silver medal, four AFCON bronze medals and alongside Finidi George, was the first Nigerian to win the prestigious UEFA Champions League,’’ Mbam said.
Kelechi Ekeledo, a journalist and Arsenal FC fan commended Kanu for being the symbol of support which several Nigerians have for the top English side.
“Kanu played 197 times for the north London side, scoring 44 goals and was part of the invincible team that did not lose any match in the 2003-04 English Premier League season.
“This birthday celebration is auspicious because it is coming at the start of the new football season with Arsenal highly impressive in its pre-season tour,’’ he said.
Bridget Oleru, a teacher and football enthusiast described Kanu as a humanitarian who had impacted positively on peoples’ lives, especially the less-privileged.
“The Kanu Heart Foundation assisted many patients with heart-related ailments and this is coupled with other philanthropic gestures.
“Kanu is also a shining example of prudent celebrities who effectively managed the demands of stardom to still remain financially solvent on retirement,’’ Oleru said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Africa’s Great Green Wall restores over 20m hectares, says UN
UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed says no less than 20 million hectares of land have been restored through the Africa Great Green Wall initiative.
States
Justice Kalgo’s life defined by exceptional service, integrity, says Gov Idris
Governor Nasir Idris described Justice Umaru Kalgo as a distinguished son of Kebbi whose life was defined by exceptional service, integrity, dedication and profound knowledge.
Faith
Shettima urges Nigerians to strengthen bond of unity
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to strengthen the bonds that unite them, reject every form of hatred, division, and intolerance, and assist the vulnerable.
Lagos
YABATECH rector urges preventive education amid worsening social vices
The rector of Yaba College of Technology, Ibraheem Abdul, has urged the use of education, rather than relying solely on arrests, to tackle vices among the youth.
States
Tinubu govt to engage stakeholders on deplorable Benin-Asaba road
The federal government is to hold a robust engagement with the concessionaire and other stakeholders over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Asaba road.
Lagos
Carter Bridge reconstruction will be completed in two years: Umahi
The federal government is working to complete reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos within 24 months instead of the 36 months initially scheduled for the project.
