The gentle giant — Nwankwo Kanu's quiet dignity and extraordinary natural ability made him one of the most beloved figures of West African football's emergence into European consciousness. His hat-trick for Arsenal against Chelsea in 1999 — scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute — is the most celebrated comeback in a single Premier League game. Champions League winner with Ajax in 1995, Olympic gold medallist with Nigeria in 1996, two FA Cups and Premier League title with Arsenal. His willingness to overcome a serious heart defect surgically and return to play at the highest level remains an extraordinary act of personal courage
Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included Champions League 1995 (Ajax), Olympic Gold 1996, FA Cup 2x. The true measure of a great football athlete is the ability to perform consistently over an extended period, and Nwankwo's career record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. Few athletes in football have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Nwankwo managed throughout his career. Competing at the highest level in football over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Nwankwo Kanu demonstrated consistently throughout. The dedication required to perform consistently in football at international level defined every aspect of Nwankwo Kanu's approach to the sport.
Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
Career Honours
- Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
- Olympic Gold 1996
- FA Cup 2x
- African Player of Year 2x
- 86 Nigeria caps