In Summary
With a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup winners’ medals and two African Player of the Year awards to his name, Kanu Nwankwo, 34, is one of the most decorated African footballers.


BUZZ: Do all these accolades get to your head?

Kanu: Not at all. I thank God for all these titles and trophies. It has been a long struggle but we say each step in life in important and that’s how I’ve been operating, ‘each step at a time”

BUZZ:When did you start your road to stardom?

Kanu:(Smiling) Well, I began my career when I was 15 years at First Division club Federation Works here in Nigeria, before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1992.

BUZZ:When did you play your first professional match?

Kanu:After the 1992 World Championships, I was scouted for Ajax Amsterdam in 1993. It wasn’t until 1994 when I made my first debut for Ajax debut.

Kanu:“I went on to play 54 times for the Dutch side, where I scored 25 goals. By the way, I came on as a sub in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League final win over AC Milan.

BUZZ:What’s you most memorable time in your playing career?

Kanu:I have two. In 1996, we won gold at the Olympics, famously and I scored two late goals in the semi-finals against Brazil to overturn a 2-3 score line to a 4-3 win in extra time. I was also named African Footballer of the Year that year.

BUZZ:What was your memorable goal?

Kanu:While playing for Arsenal in 1999. It was against Tottenham Hotspurs. I had my back to goal, lobbed the ball over Luke Young’s head before turning the young defender and scored.

BUZZ:You are yet to score any African Cup of Nations goal, how come?
It’s rather strange, but that’s football. Who knows, may be in Angola, it will be my time to score.
BUZZ:How much do you earn per week at Portsmouth?

Kanu:(Laughs), well, something enough for my survival, around £50, 000 (Sh6 million) per week.

BUZZ:What car do you drive?

Kanu:A Ferrari F360 (An original on the road costs aversely £120,000 or Sh15 million)

BUZZo you have family?

Kanu:Yes, One gorgeous wife and two great sons.

BUZZ:You heart problem almost cost you your football career?

Kanu:This was one of the trying times of my career. I used to ask for strength from as God. The experience that made me start the Kanu Heart Foundation, which helps young African children with heart complications.