Kanu Nwankwo, also known as Papillon, is a French name for “butterfly” because he is light on his feet following the famous peak milk advert. He is an iconic footballer and one of the trendsetters that put Nigerian football and footballers on the map. He has played for the best football clubs in the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Series A. While Kanu was winning accolades from football, his wife Amara was steering the ship on the home front.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Early Life
Nwankwo Kanu was born on August 1, 1976 in Owerri, Imo, Nigeria. His surname, Nwankwo, means ‘Child born on the market day of Nkwo’ in the Igbo language. He was born to Mrs Susan and Mr Iheme Kanu, who hails from Okija in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. Kanu and his brothers grew up in Owerri.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Early Career
He started his career at the Nigerian league club Federation Works before joining the now-defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now known as Heartland FC. Legendary Super Eagles footballer Kanu Nwankwo was still a teenager when he rose to fame after leading his country to win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets. Within months, he was living his dream by joining Ajax FC, subsequently Arsenal FC, Inter Milan FC, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth FC.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Football Career
Kanu captained the Nigerian team that won the revered gold at the Olympics. Perhaps still in the memory of the Nigerians, Kanu scored two late goals in the semi-final against powerhouses Brazil to overturn a 2–3 scoreline in a 4–3 extra-time win. Nwankwo Kanu was also named African Footballer of the Year for this year, thanks to his involvement in his country’s victory in 1996. Kanu is currently in the African football history books. Kanu Nwankwo is among the few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. However, shortly after returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination at Inter, which revealed a severe heart defect.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Heart Condition
In November 1996, he underwent heart surgery to replace his aortic valve. He only returned to his club in April 1997. Kanu’s experience also led to the creation of the Kanu Heart Foundation. This is an organization that primarily helps young African children with heart defects. Appearing from the bench so many times, Kanu Nwankwo made the most substitute appearances. Kanu is a born leader, having captained the Nigeria national football team for 14 years. There’s still ‘King of the Jungle’ status in him.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Personal Life
Kanu married Amarachi Nwankwo as a teenager (at the age of 18). According to the celebrity wife, she was so in love with the former Arsenal player, and the difference of ten years was just a number. They now have three children; two boys and a girl. Kanu’s wife, Amara, made sure to complete her education after her marriage getting a first degree in architecture. She then did her MBA.
Kanu Nwankwo’s Awards
Kanu Nwankwo, like every other athlete, has made his country proud. Here are some of the awards he has won during his football career.
Premier League– 2002,2004
Community shield -1999
FA Cup– 2002,2003,2008
Eredevisie – 1994,1995,1996
Olympic Games – 1996
Europa League– 1998
Champions League– 1995
Intercontinental Cup – 1995
