One of Nigeria’s greatest footballers of all time, Kanu Nwankwo, turns 49 today.
Born in Owerri, Imo State on August 1, 1976, Kanu’s journey from street football in the southeast to lifting trophies across Europe remains one of African football’s most inspiring stories.
Kanu began his professional career with Federation Works, before making his mark at Iwuanyanwu Nationale during the 1992–93 Nigerian league season.
His exploits at youth level earned him captaincy of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, leading them to victory at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan.
His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, eventually sealing a move to Dutch giants AFC Ajax.
During his time at Ajax (1993–1996), Kanu won three Eredivisie titles and was part of the squad that clinched the 1995 UEFA Champions League, making a substitute appearance in the final against AC Milan.
In 1996, Inter Milan signed Kanu, but a routine medical revealed a life-threatening heart defect. The setback forced him into open-heart surgery, a battle he overcame with remarkable courage.
Kanu returned to action and went on to win the 1998 UEFA Cup with Inter, proving his resilience and commitment to the game.
Kanu’s most iconic club spell came with Arsenal, whom he joined in 1999.
He became a fan favourite at Highbury for his flair and clutch performances, most memorably his stunning 15-minute hat-trick in a comeback win against Chelsea.
He played a key role in Arsenal’s 2003–04 “Invincibles” season, helping the Gunners win the Premier League title without losing a single match.
After leaving Arsenal, Kanu played for West Brom and later Portsmouth, where he famously scored the winning goal in the 2008 FA Cup final against Cardiff City.
He retired in 2012 after a career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level.
Internationally, Kanu earned 86 caps for the Nigeria national team, scoring 12 goals. He won Olympic gold at Atlanta 1996, scoring twice in the dramatic semi-final against Brazil.
He also represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups and was named African Footballer of the Year twice (1996 and 1999).
Beyond football, Kanu has left an indelible mark through his humanitarian work.
He founded the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has funded hundreds of heart surgeries for underprivileged African children.
His personal battle with heart disease transformed into a lifelong mission to save lives across the continent.
In recognition of his contributions to sport and society, Kanu was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and later the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
As Nwankwo Kanu turns 49 today, tributes continue to pour in for a man who stands as a true icon of Nigerian football and a source of global inspiration.
