Fans celebrate Kanu Nwankwo ‘Papillo’ as he 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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 with NAN in Abakaliki felicitated with “Papillo’’ and wished him more fruitful years ahead.

Maxwell Anuka, Salt City FC of Abakaliki player, 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 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.

Mrs 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.