A legend takes his bow

By Ifeanyi Ibeh

Nwankwo Kanu’s first game for the Super Eagles took place just over 16 years ago on May 5, 1994, in an international friendly against the Swedish national team. Last Tuesday, Kanu appeared for the Super Eagles in the 2-2 draw against Korea Republic, and stayed on the field for 57 minutes, before making way for Obafemi Martins.

Prior to the commencement of the game, the 33-year-old earned the loudest applause from the spectators that had trouped into the stadium in Durban, to watch what turned out to be a dramatic encounter between two sides eager to advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.

For almost one hour, the former Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Ajax star remained on the field; his every touch on the ball was greeted with some sort of cheer from the appreciative crowd. Even as he lumbered off the pitch with his 1.97 metre frame, to be replaced by the much smaller Martins, there were still fans at the match venue as well as millions of others watching the game across screens the world over, who didn’t realise the implications of what had just transpired.

But hours later, with the Super Eagles unable to achieve their target of advancing to the Round of 16, it suddenly dawned on everyone that the legendary ‘Papillo’ had called time on his international career.

Undoubtedly the most successful and consistent Nigerian player of his generation, Kanu first emerged on the global stage as a bean pole utility player in the victorious Nigerian U-17 team to the 1993 tournament in Japan. A year later, he broke into the first team of Dutch club side, Ajax, and went on to claim the prestigious UEFA Champions League title in 1995.

More honours

A year after winning the Champions League trophy with Ajax, the lanky Kanu skippered Nigeria to the gold medal at the Olympic Football Tournament at Atlanta, scoring two goals in the famous 4-3 semi-final win over Brazil, including the last-gasp equaliser and the exquisite extra-time winner.

Not even the heart defect that was discovered by Inter Milan doctors and the subsequent surgery to correct the defect, was able to prevent Kanu from his number one passion, as he returned in time to play a part in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 1998 World Cup in France, and went on to take part in the tournament where he entered the record books as the youngest player to captain a side in World Cup history.

He thereafter left Inter Milan for Arsenal, where he attained legendary status, scoring 44 times in 198 appearances with the Gunners, winning two league titles and two FA Cups in the process. He also won an FA Cup winners medal with Portsmouth in 2009, and looks set to play second-tier league football with the English south coast outfit, following their relegation from the Premier League.

But even though he has lost some pace to age, his brilliance on the pitch still seem a couple of years away from oblivion, and will still be enough to attract to match venues football fans eager to catch a glimpse of the benevolent football icon, who has dedicated a greater part of the past decade towards ensuring a better life for children with heart defects through the Kanu Heart Foundation.

Testimonial

“Kanu will always be a great player, if not the greatest player to have come out of Nigeria,” said former Super Eagles defender, Benedict Iroha. “I always felt this will be his last appearance for Nigeria. It didn’t turn out the way we all wanted, but I’m sure people will always remember him for the great things he did on the field of play.”

Iroha also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to “immediately” organise a befitting testimonial for Kanu, a view that is equally shared by a host of his former Super Eagles teammates, including Nduka Ugbade.

“That is the least that can be done, and it must be as soon as possible, not one year later because Kanu has given so much of his life to this country,” said Ugbade.

Regardless of whether a testimonial is organised or not, football fans the world over will not easily let go of the great memories evoked by the legendary Nigerian, who competed at six African Cup of Nations tournaments, three FIFA World Cups, and who was twice named the African Player of the Year.

Kanu the coach

Who knows, he might even delve into coaching, an idea that he seems to be warming up to when he met up with reporters shortly after Nigeria’s exit from the World Cup.

“Moving into coaching is an interesting idea, but the organisation from above has to be right. Not just for anyone who wants to coach, so it is easier for them to do the job, but for those who want to play and get on with it.

“You don’t see many Africans who have made it (as players) want to go into coaching - they don’t want to take all the nonsense that comes from above. If the people in power have played football, they would understand what is going on, but that is not often the case,” said Kanu.

A few days ago, Kanu, speaking to a reporter from the BBC, said he would be looking back on his international career with pride.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself, and it was emotionally important for me to play in front of my family,” he stated.

“I’ve won the [under-17] World Cup, the Olympic gold, and Nations Cup silver and bronze medals. We haven’t achieved much as a team, but personally, I think it’s an achievement I am proud of.

“My wife was here [in Durban] to watch me. I played in front of my kids at the biggest football tournament, so what else can I ask for,” he added.

Indeed, what else can one ask for from such an accomplished individual?