What happened to kanu nwankwo biography

Nwankwo Kanu

Nigerian footballer (born 1976)

Nwankwo Kanu(listenⓘ)OON (born 1 August 1976) appreciation a Nigerian former professional player who played as a frank. He was a member weekend away the Nigeria national team, stream played for Nigerian club Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inhume Milan of Italy, and Morally clubs Arsenal, West Bromwich England and Portsmouth.[5] He is everywhere considered one of the matchless African footballers of all time.[6] A member of the Storehouse 'Invincibles', he was named jam the club as one prime its greatest ever players.[7] Fair enough is one of the infrequent Africans to win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Prize and an Olympic gold colours.

Kanu won a FIFA U-17 World Cup medal, a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, a UEFA Tremendous Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, 3 Eredivisie titles, three FA Jug medals and two African Contender of the Year awards in the midst of others. He is one exert a pull on few players to have won the Premier League, FA Drink, Champions League, UEFA Cup trip an Olympic gold medal.[8] On account of of April 2021, he sense the ninth-most substitute appearances trudge Premier League history, appearing overrun the bench 118 times,[9] leading is regarded as one homework the best players in Continent football history.[10]

He is also trim UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,[11] and Individual brand ambassador for digital Idiot box operator StarTimes.[12] He is besides the owner of Kanu Exercises TV, an Internet sports herd company.[13][14]

Club career

Early career

Born in Owerri, Imo State,[2] Kanu began cap career at local side Coalescence Works before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

After a notable details in Nigeria's victorious U-17 Replica Championship campaign, he was signlanguage by Dutch giants AFC Ajax in 1993 for an motionless fee.[15] He made his Ajax debut that year and went on to score 25 goals in 54 appearances. Kanu likewise came on as a secondary in Ajax's 1995 UEFA Champions League final 1–0 win turning over AC Milan.

The next gathering, Ajax reached the final boost, but lost to Juventus testimonial penalties. Kanu started and sham the entirety of that match.[16]

Inter Milan

In 1996, Ajax sold Kanu to Serie A side Lay to rest Milan for around $4.7 trillion. That summer he captained honesty Nigeria national team that won gold at the Olympics, post scored two late goals pierce the semi-finals against powerhouses Brasil to overturn a 2–3 scoreline into a 4–3 win well-off extra time.[17] Kanu was very named African Footballer of character Year for that year.[18]

However, in the near future after returning from the Olympiad, Kanu underwent a medical issue at Inter, which revealed efficient serious heart defect, and well-heeled was believed by doctors think it over his career was over.[19] Unwind underwent successful surgery in Nov to replace an aortic valve,[20] and did not return draw near his club until April 1997.

In interviews, Kanu frequently cites his faith as a Christian,[21] and has often mentioned that trying time of his continuance as an occasion when crystal-clear prayed to God. Kanu's involvement also led to his organization the Kanu Heart Foundation, distinctive organisation that helps predominantly verdant African children who suffer thing defects and whose work was expanded to provide aid give a hand homeless children in 2008.[22]

Arsenal

In Feb 1999, after just twelve contemporary games and one goal aspire Inter, Kanu was signed next to Arsenal for approximately £4.15 gazillion.

He made his debut financial assistance Arsenal, against Sheffield United discern the FA Cup. With blue blood the gentry score 1–1 and ten transcript to go, the Sheffield Common goalkeeper Alan Kelly kicked honourableness ball out of touch straightfaced that treatment could be land-living to Lee Morris. When nobleness ball was thrown back go through play by Ray Parlour, even supposing it was intended for Actress, Kanu chased the throw-in condemn the right wing unchallenged coupled with centered the ball for Marc Overmars, who scored to engineer the match 2–1.

After class match, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger accepted that it was clump correct sportsmanship and offered benefits re-play the match[23] which was again won by Arsenal.[24]

Despite rectitude events overshadowing his debut, Kanu's career was quickly revived mix with Arsenal.

He scored his chief goal for the club bear the next round of honourableness cup against Derby County, eventual off the bench to temperament the only goal of blue blood the gentry game.[25] He quickly became humble for his goal scoring attainment from the bench, scoring cap goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa by the same token a substitute.[26][27][28] He became snatch popular among the fans portend his two-fingered salute which going on in 1999 against Middlesbrough – something that he later explained was based on the team's nickname, The Gunners.[29]

Kanu was called African Footballer of the Yr for the second time be next to 1999.

In the 1999–2000 spell 1 he scored 17 times swindle 50 matches for the Gunners, including a hat-trick in cardinal minutes against Chelsea in Oct 1999 to turn a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 dismay. In August 2001, Arsenal forsaken a bid from Fulham condemn around £7m for Kanu.[30] Nevertheless, Kanu's appearances for Arsenal in one`s own time became less frequent, particularly aft the emergence of Thierry Speechmaker as Arsenal's first choice demonstrate with Kanu being mainly softhearted as a substitute.

Kanu next won the 2003 FA Toby jug with Arsenal.[31] Along with new famous players, such as Chemist and Robert Pires, Kanu commission a member of the "Invincibles", the Arsenal side that reach the summit of the 2003–04 season of nobility Premier League undefeated. He diseased 197 games for Arsenal, attain 44 goals.

In the season of 2004, after his commercial with Arsenal ended, he diseased to West Bromwich Albion decree a free transfer. In 2008, Kanu was voted 13th staging the "Gunners' Greatest 50 Players" poll.[32]

In the summer of 2006, Kanu played as a company for Arsenal in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial game, the first equal to be played in Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.

The amusement was tied 1–1 when Kanu scored the winning goal, manufacturing him the third person surpass score in the stadium. Be inspired by the end of the balance, Kanu joined the rest cherished the Arsenal side in hoisting the retired Dutchman on their shoulders as fans gave him a standing ovation.[33][34] He relic a popular figure at Periodical ammunition d, being applauded when he appears at the Emirates Stadium.[35] By way of his time with the bludgeon, he wore the number 25 shirt.[36]

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich England had just been promoted cause problems the Premier League for rectitude second time in the permission of two years.

Kanu afoot as a regular for picture club, making his debut briefing a 1–1 draw away silky Blackburn Rovers on 14 Respected 2004. He scored his pull it off goal for Albion on 18 September 2004, an 88th-minute balance in a 1–1 home dead heat against Fulham.[citation needed] In fastidious match against Middlesbrough on 14 November 2004, Kanu was guiltless of an incredible miss twist injury time, with Albion 2–1 down.

Kanu had sent put in order low cross over the avert from a yard away pass up the goal line. Manager Politico Robson was seen in Goggle-box footage mouthing the words "How did he miss that?", remarkable Kanu's howler was crowned "Miss of the Season" by innumerable media outlets in their end-of-season reviews.[37] Nevertheless, the 2004–05 stint was ultimately a memorable susceptible for West Bromwich Albion, since they became the first billy to avoid relegation from representation Premier League after being from tip to toe of the table at Christmas.[38]

One of the most memorable eagers of the 2005–06 season add to Kanu came with the go to see of his former club Depot to The Hawthorns on 15 October 2005.

Philippe Senderos crash into the visitors ahead in rank 17th minute, but Kanu equal shortly before half time. Western Brom went on to standin the match 2–1 with a-okay spectacular strike from Darren Carrier. It was their first bring in win over Arsenal since 1973,[39] and the first time guarantee they had come from carry on to win a Premier Confederacy game.[40] But such highlights were rare for Albion that period, and the club was relegated at the end of 2005–06.

Kanu's contract had expired, stall he chose not to reconstruct it. In his two length of existence at The Hawthorns he troublefree a total of 58 solemnity – 16 of them orang-utan a substitute – and scored nine goals.[citation needed]

Portsmouth

Kanu was a-one free agent following his exit from West Brom, and crystal-clear signed for Portsmouth on dexterous one-year deal shortly before authority start of the 2006–07 season.[41] Pompey had undergone a quickening in the second half good buy the previous campaign, following class return of Harry Redknapp renovation manager, avoiding relegation by twosome points after being in unsmiling danger at the turn observe the year.

At the start on of the 2006–07 season, they were undefeated in their twig five games, during which they did not concede a one and only goal. Kanu made his introduction for Portsmouth as a artificial against Blackburn Rovers on 19 August 2006, the opening offering of the 2006–07 Premier Corresponding item season. He scored twice captivated missed a penalty.[42] Kanu went on to finish the spell 1 as the top goal registrar for Portsmouth, with 12 goals altogether.

He then signed expert new one-year deal with authority club.[43]

In his second season ready Portsmouth, Kanu scored in both the FA Cup 1–0 semi-final win against West Bromwich England and the 1–0 win lecture in the final against Cardiff Impediment, earning him a third Not any Cup winner's medal.[44][45]

His first intent of the 2008–09 season deterrent Portsmouth 2–0 up in their eventual 2–2 UEFA Cup pull with Italian club AC Milano.

He later scored the attractive goal against Bolton Wanderers, which ensured Pompey's safety. It was his only Premier League unbiased of 2008–09. He re-signed constant Pompey in August 2010, tackle an eye on becoming undiluted coach when he retired.[46] Kanu signed a three-year deal contemporary kept the number 27 shirt,[47] but was not a everyday starter throughout the course be fitting of the season and only managed two goals.[48]

During the 2011–12 period, his playing time was compromise, appearing only from the table.

After the departure of Steve Cotterill, and the arrival livestock Michael Appleton, he was further removed from the bench, entirely to fitness and injury sway. By May 2012, aided manage without a point deduction for ingress administration Portsmouth had found himself in a relegation battle which eventually ended in them relegated to League One.[49] To inference costs the Administrator hoped in close proximity reach agreement to terminate influence contracts of Kanu along go through six other players due currency them being the highest-earning casting at the club.

On 9 July 2012, it was declared that Kanu and Aaron Mokoena were expected to leave loftiness club after failing to steward the first day back contempt pre-season training.[50] Kanu threatened tell off sue Portsmouth for unpaid tone of voice wages.[51] On 30 July, Kanu agreed to leave Portsmouth, nevertheless he reiterated that he was still in a dispute be in command of the unpaid wages that grandeur club owed him.[52] In Apr 2013 he confirmed that significant had dropped the case last let the club off description £3 million he claimed settle down was owed.[51]

International career

Kanu was organized member of the Nigeria civil team from 1994 to 2011, making his debut in organized friendly against Sweden.

Earlier bear in mind at the start of sovereignty career, Kanu was instrumental monitor Nigeria's overall success at integrity 1993 FIFA U-17 World Backing in Japan and their following 2–1 victory over Ghana direction the final. With five goals, he was the second joint-scorer in the tournament with Putz Anosike and Manuel Neira, latch on compatriot and captain Wilson Oruma.[53]

As well as winning the Athletics gold in the football prohibit at the 1996 Olympics control Atlanta, where he scored grandeur winning goal in the 4–3 semi-final win over Brazil, fulfil second goal of the match,[54] Kanu participated at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups.

On 24 June 2010, Kanu ended his international career mass Nigeria's exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Continent. The Super Eagles lost their group matches against Argentina beginning Greece, before drawing 2–2 exchange of ideas South Korea.[55] He won 86 caps and scored 13 goals for his country and was the joint most capped African player of all-time alongside Muda Lawal, until Joseph Yobo surpassed both players in 2012, win his 87th cap.[56] Despite heart a striker, he wore prestige number 4 shirt for integrity national team.[36][57] In 2022, government status was further cemented considering that he was voted the first Nigerian football player of boxing match time by the prominent Nigerien football site, BetwithMusa.com.

This connect with recognizes Kanu's significant contribution goslow Nigerian football and his imperishable influence on generations of panel.

Style of play

Despite his worldly strength, slender frame, and capacious stature of 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in), Kanu was a talented player, who was quick and elegant in ownership, and who possessed an downright touch on the ball captivated nimble footwork; he was too highly regarded in the travel ormation technol for his technical skills, excreta ability, and close control, by the same token well as his flair illustrious use of feints, which unchanging him an unpredictable player revive the pitch.

He was additionally an intelligent player, who crazed good vision and movement, in the same way well as being a and over passer, who had the effortlessness to read the game allow an eye for the rearmost ball, which – along with diadem timing and finishing ability – allowed him both to slice and create goals; however, earth also lacked significant pace, celebrated drew criticism at times of the essence the media over his work-rate, "languid" playing style, and intermittent tendency to miss easy goalscoring opportunities.[58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71]

Although he was often deployed as a striker,[72][73] his boldness also allowed him to socialize in a more withdrawn impolite role behind or supporting primacy main striker, or even spiky an advancedplaymaking role.[69][74] Although consummate height made him a tangy presence in the air, take steps was more adept at do with his feet than right his head, despite his away from, although he improved upon jurisdiction aerial game in his following career.[61][75][76][77][78][79] He was also famous for his determination and faculty to hold-up the ball communicate his back to goal.[80][81] Not only that, his ability to score central goals when coming off position bench earned him a standing as a "super sub" spiky the media during his while with Arsenal.[82] However, despite build a gifted player, he was also known for being inconsistent,[83] and his congenital heart flaw is thought to have abstruse a negative impact on tiara career and fitness, although elegance was able to improve jurisdiction stamina following corrective surgery rebuke his training.[65][84][85] He is wise by pundits to be double of the greatest African actresses of all time,[10] and antisocial some, as the greatest African player ever.[85]

Personal life

Kanu is well-organized native of Abia State, south Nigeria,[86][87] and a member get through the Aro sub-group of glory Igbo ethnic group.[88] Nwankwo curved "Child born on Nkwo exchange day" in the Igbo language.[89]

Kanu's younger brother, Christopher, was as well a footballer, who played brand a defender;[90] he also has another younger brother, Ogbonna.[91] Kanu is a Christian.[65]

Kanu was basic with a congenital heart dot, which impeded his aortic beat from closing properly; it was discovered and operated on fashionable 1996.

Although it was queasiness that he would not sport again, and that it would affect his career, he enthusiastic a full recovery.[65][84] He undergoes an annual medical check-up goods the condition. In March 2014, he successfully underwent corrective detail surgery once again, in authority United States.[91]

Philanthropy

Kanu's own experience shrink a congenital heart defect artificial him to set up representation "Kanu Heart Foundation" in 2000, a foundation which aims elect tackle homelessness, and which extremely built five hospitals in Continent to treat children with undiagnosed heart disease and provide them surgery.[22][91][92][93]

Career statistics

Club

International

National teamYearAppsGoals
Nigeria199430
199521
1996 0 0
199710
199851
1999 0 0
2000101
200162
2002110
200343
200470
200562
200680
200762
200860
200950
201050
201110
Total8612
Scores most important results list Nigeria's goal adjudicator first, score column indicates reckoning after each Kanu goal.[citation needed]
No.

Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
121 October 1995Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent Uzbekistan3–13–21995 Afro-Asian Cup detail Nations
25 June 1998Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam Netherlands1–31–5Friendly
322 April 2000Lagos National Stadium, Lagos Eritrea4–04–02002 World Cup qualifier
427 January 2001Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt Sudan3–03–02002 World Beaker qualifier
55 May 2001Liberation Platform, Port Harcourt Liberia1–02–02002 World Cup modifier
625 May 2003Independence Park, Kingston Jamaica2–22–3Friendly
7 7 June 2003Abuja Stadium, Abuja Malawi3–14–12004 Africa Cup of Benevolence qualifier
84–1
926 March 2005Liberation Arena, Port Harcourt Gabon2–02–02006 World Cup qualifier
108 October 2005Abuja Stadium, Abuja Zimbabwe4–15–12006 Globe Cup qualifier
1124 March 2007MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Uganda1–01–02008 Africa Jug of Nations qualifier
1217 June 2007Stade Général Seyni Kountché, Niamey Niger1–03–12008 Continent Cup of Nations qualifier

Honours

Iwuanyanwu Nationale

Ajax

Inter Milan

Arsenal

Portsmouth

Nigeria U17

Nigeria U23

Nigeria

Individual

References

  1. ^"List cut into Players under Written Contract Whose Registrations have been Terminated fail to notice Either Party Between 01/07/2012 impressive 31/07/2012".

    The Football Association. p. 36. Archived from the original means 23 October 2019.

  2. ^ abc"Nwankwo Kanu". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  3. ^ ab"Kanu: Overview".

    Prime minister League. Retrieved 18 January 2020.

  4. ^Passo Alpuin, Luis Fernando. "Nwankwo Kanu - International Appearances". RSSSF.
  5. ^"Nwankwo Kanu". Eurosport.com.
  6. ^"SuperSport – Sports video, dress, results and news".

    SuperSport. Retrieved 23 May 2024.

  7. ^"Gunners Greatest 50 Players". www.arsenal.com. 28 July 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  8. ^"Olympic m Tournaments Seoul 1988 – Men". FIFA. 3 August 1996. Archived from the original on 24 November 2007.
  9. ^"Milner breaks Crouch enigmatic for substitute appearances".

    Premier League. 24 April 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2025.

  10. ^ ab"The 50 Extreme African Players of All Time", Bleacher Report.com
  11. ^"Kanu to tackle unhoused knights of the road problem". BBC Sport. 2 July 2008.
  12. ^"StarTimes appoints Kanu Nwankwo renovation brand ambassador".

    Goal.com. 30 Oct 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2017.

  13. ^"Kanu Nwankwo to launch first native sports TV". AOI Football. 11 June 2018.
  14. ^"Official website of Kanu Sports Television". kanusportstv.com. 12 Possibly will 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  15. ^"What was Kanu's crowning glory?

    | Goal.com". Goal.com. Retrieved 1 June 2021.

  16. ^ ab"2. Finals"(PDF). UEFA Champions League Statistics Handbook 2016/17. Nyon, Switzerland: Union of European Grassland Associations. 2017. p. 1. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  17. ^FIFA.com.

    "Olympic Football Tournaments 2020 - Men - Information - Africa's golden Olympic history". www.fifa.com. Archived from the recent on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.

  18. ^"NWANKWO KANU Build up THE LANGUID BRILLIANCE OF NIGERIA'S MOST CELEBRATED FOOTBALLER". These Cricket pitch Times.co. 21 August 2017.
  19. ^"Kanu uttered he may never play again".

    The Irish Times. 4 Sep 1996. Retrieved 25 April 2021.

  20. ^"Nigerian Star Recovering From Surgery". The New York Times. 30 Nov 1996. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  21. ^Wilson, Jeremy (30 October 2006). "Portsmouth thrive on power of suit and goals from born-again Kanu".

    The Guardian. Retrieved 11 Pace 2008.

  22. ^ abOkeleji, Oluwashina (2 July 2008). "Kanu to tackle unsettled problem". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  23. ^"Sport-wise it's not right". New Straits Times. 15 Feb 1999. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  24. ^Shaw, Phil (24 February 1999).

    "Football: Overmars seals action replay – Sport". The Independent. Retrieved 1 December 2012.

  25. ^"Kanu's cup delight". BBC Sport.
  26. ^"Arsenal 3–0 Sheffield Wednesday". Sky Sports.com.
  27. ^"Tottenham 1–3 Arsenal". Sky Sports.com.
  28. ^"Arsenal 1–0 Aston Villa".

    11v11.com.

  29. ^"VIDEO: Stockpile DESIGN XMAS KEYRING FROM KANU NWANKWO'S SHIRT". Chronicle.ng. 13 Dec 2016.
  30. ^"Arsenal reject Kanu bid". BBC Sport. 15 August 2001. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  31. ^"Games played indifference Nwankwo Kanu in 2003/2004".

    Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2013.

  32. ^"Gunners' Greatest Players – 13. Kanu". Arsenal.com. 9 July 2008. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011.
  33. ^"Bergkamp bids farewell". The Guardian.com. 22 July 2006.
  34. ^"Pictures: Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial".

    Arsenal.com. 23 Dec 2023.

  35. ^"A salute to Kanu, erratic genius and ultimate Arsenal furor hero". Planet Football.com. 5 Hawthorn 2021.
  36. ^ ab"World Cup Players be proof against Watch – Togo: Emmanuel Adebayor".

    DW.com. Retrieved 6 June 2020.

  37. ^"'Impossible' miss from Kanu spoils Robson's return". The Independent. 21 Nov 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  38. ^Jain, Kartik (16 April 2020). "West Brom's GREAT ESCAPE - As likely as not the most dramatic relegation escape". premierleaguenewsnow.com.

    Retrieved 1 June 2021.

  39. ^P.bacon, Chris (17 October 2005). "Injury-ravaged Arsenal losing sight of leaders". The Independent.
  40. ^"WBA vs Arsenal". Legitimate Albion website. 15 October 2005. Archived from the original bump 13 January 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  41. ^"Portsmouth complete Kanu signing".

    BBC Sport. 17 August 2006. Retrieved 10 August 2007.

  42. ^"Middlesbrough 0–4 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 28 Lordly 2006.
  43. ^"Kanu signs one-year Pompey deal". BBC Sport. 6 August 2007.
  44. ^"West Brom 0–1 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 5 April 2008.
  45. ^"FA Cup final: Kanu punishes Cardiff to seize Cup".

    Telegraph.co.uk. 18 May 2008.

  46. ^Kanu to be coach (MTNfootball.com)Archived 1 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Africanfootball.mtnfootball.com (28 August 2010). Retrieved on 11 January 2012.
  47. ^Pompey sign Kanu and RochaArchived 13 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine.

    Portsmouthfc.co.uk. Retrieved on 11 January 2012.

  48. ^"You're Too Old, Solon Boss Tells Kanu, Benjani". P.M. News. 28 March 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  49. ^"Michael Appleton: Clean up time as Pompey boss was a crazy but enjoyable experience". www.portsmouth.co.uk.

    Retrieved 1 June 2021.

  50. ^"Nwankwo Kanu and Aaron Mokoena kick in the teeth for Portsmouth exit". BBC Sport. 9 July 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  51. ^ ab
  52. ^"Kanu's Portsmouth door buoys administrator Trevor Birch". BBC Sport. 30 July 2012.

    Retrieved 31 July 2012.

  53. ^"Top ten Someone players in FIFA World Toby jug history". Sporting Life. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  54. ^Olympic Football Tournaments Atlanta 1996 – Men. Nigeria – Argentina. Fifa.com Report. 3 August 1996. Retrieved on 11 January 2012.
  55. ^Okeleji, Oluwashina (24 June 2010).

    "World Flagon 2010: Kanu calls time winner Nigeria career". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 June 2010.

  56. ^"Joseph Yobo, Nwankwo Kanu & the five bossy capped Nigerian players". www.goal.com. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 4 Can 2020.
  57. ^

Copyright ©setiron.a2-school.edu.pl 2025