Football fans in Ebonyi State on Saturday celebrated the golden jubilee of Nigeria’s football legend, Nwankwo Kanu as he turned 50.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that “Papilo” as the former Super Eagles Captain is fondly called by admirers across the globe, had 86 caps for Nigeria and scored 13 goals.
The defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland of Owerri) talisman, is a recipient of the Member of the Niger award and had distinguished club careers in Holland and England.
Ikenna Odo, A Board Member of the Ebonyi Football Association, on Saturday in Abakaliki, said Kanu remains Nigeria’s most decorated footballer and has continued to motivate young players across decades.
“The man with sublime skills and penetrating passes won two African Footballer of the Year awards, an Olympic Games Gold Medal, an AFCON Silver Medal and four AFCON Bronze Medals.
“Kanu alongside compatriot Finidi George were the first Nigerians to win the prestigious Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) champions league trophy among numerous domestic titles in Holland and England,” he said.
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Ejike Okoro, Chairman of Arsenal Football Club Fan club in Kpiripkpiri Abakaliki, said fans of the north London-based outfit have every cause to celebrate the ‘gangling forward.’
“Kanu is instrumental to the massive followership of Nigerian football fans on Arsenal as he did the country proud at the club.
“Papilo played 197 times for the club, scoring 44 goals before moving to lowly-placed Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion.
“The highest moment of pride was his contributions to Arsenal’s “Invincible Squad of the 2003–2004 season” which did not lose any match on its way to winning the English Premier League crown,” he said.
Bright Nweke, a Banker and Football enthusiast, said Kanu remains one of Nigeria’s ex-internationals who has remained “financially stable” on retirement.
“Kanu and Augustine Okocha with few others saved for the rainy days while active in an era when ex-internationals go publicly bankrupt after retirement.
“This continues to serve as a lesson to active footballers that in spite of the prevailing fame, retirement presents another chapter of life,” he said.
Mrs Rose Njelita, a Youth Activist and Football Buff, urged relevant authorities to evolve motivational roles for legends such as Kanu in the interest of the youths.
“I attended an Ebonyi government’s sponsored youth inspirational programme after the unfortunate “End SARS” upheavals with Kanu and the late Peter Rufai featuring as resource persons.
“Listening to them was enriching and I can attest to the life–changing effects their words had on youths across the state,” she said.
NAN
