Nwankwo Kanu overcame a life-threatening heart condition to become Nigeria’s greatest big-game player, delivering legendary performances and saving lives through his Kanu Heart Foundation
Few footballers have faced adversity like Nwankwo Kanu and still risen to legendary status. From being diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition to becoming one of Nigeria’s most decorated and clutch footballers.
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Kanu’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. This is the inspiring story of how Kanu overcame his heart problem and became Nigeria’s greatest big-game player.
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14:31 - 22.02.2025
Kanu Nwankwo Net Worth: Profile, Age, Wife, House, Cars, How Rich is he in 2025?
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the life of Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo with special attention on his Profile, Age, Salary, Net Worth, Wife, House, Cars, Pictures, Heart Foundation and Latest News.
Kanu's Heart Problem That Almost Ended His Career
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According to BBC Sport, in 1996, after guiding Nigeria’s Dream Team to Olympic gold, Kanu made a highly anticipated transfer to Inter Milan. However, routine medical tests revealed a serious heart defect involving his aortic valve.
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19:57 - 14.02.2025
𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓! Super Eagles icon Nwankwo Kanu throws Enyimba gates open for Finidi George
Nwankwo Kanu's Enyimba will go head-to-head in a crucial NPFL battle against Finidi George's Rivers United this weekend.
The diagnosis was life-threatening, and he was advised to quit football. For many, this would have been the end. But for Kanu, it was just another challenge to overcome.
The Guardian reported that Kanu underwent successful open-heart surgery in the United States and spent over a year in recovery.
Many doubted he would ever return to professional football, but in 1997, he defied the odds and made his comeback with Inter Milan before moving to Arsenal in 1999.
At Arsenal, he quickly became a fan favorite, producing magical moments, including his unforgettable hat-trick against Chelsea in 1999, as per Sky Sports
Here’s a look at the key matches that made him Nigeria’s greatest clutch player.
Nigeria vs Liberia – 2002 World Cup Qualifiers
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In a crucial World Cup qualifying match, Nigeria faced Liberia on May 5, 2001, at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt
Nigeria were on the brink of missing out on the 2002 FIFA World Cup, needing a win against George Weah’s Liberia to stay in contention.
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05:43 - 21.02.2025
Papilo Gamble Backfires: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu's new signings fail to inspire Enyimba after latest defeat
Nigeria Super Eagles icon Nwankwo Kanu's expansive recruitment strategy has failed to halt Enyimba's alarming downward spiral after the latest defeat in the NPFL.
The Super Eagles secured a vital 2-0 victory, with goals from Tijani Babangida and Victor Agali. Nwankwo Kanu played a significant role in orchestrating the attack, providing key passes that led to both goals.
Nwankwo Kanu delivered a masterclass performance, setting up two goals in a 2-0 win, ensuring Nigeria qualified for the World Cup.
Nigeria vs Tunisia – 2006 AFCON Quarter-Final
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In one of his last great performances for Nigeria, Kanu was the difference in a tense quarter-final against Tunisia.
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06:28 - 27.02.2025
Super Eagles icon Nwankwo Kanu's Enyimba slip again — drop to 11th as struggles continue
Enyimba's struggles under Nwankwo Kanu's leadership are far from over after the People's Elephant dropped more points in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
The match ended 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout. Kanu converted his penalty, helping Nigeria win 6-5 on penalties and advance to the semi-finals.
Nigeria vs Cameroon – 2000 AFCON Final
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Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2000 final. Facing Cameroon, Nigeria fell 2-0 behind but fought back, with Kanu playing a crucial role in setting up Okocha and Chukwu Ndukwe’s goals to level the game at 2-2.
Unfortunately, Nigeria lost on penalties, but Kanu’s influence in big games was evident once again.
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18:43 - 27.02.2025
Jay Jay Okocha: How Super Eagles Legend 'Humiliated' Every World Football Legends
Jay Jay Okocha's dazzling dribbling and flair stunned both Premier League defenders and global icons, cementing his legacy as a true football magician.
Nigeria vs Argentina – 1996 Olympic Games (Final)
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After the Brazil comeback, Kanu led Nigeria in the final against Argentina, another South American powerhouse featuring Hernán Crespo and Ariel Ortega.
Although Kanu didn’t score, his leadership and creativity helped Nigeria win 3-2, securing the historic Olympic gold.
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09:18 - 16.01.2025
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Nigeria vs Brazil – 1996 Olympic Games (Semi-Final)
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This is arguably Kanu’s most legendary performance. Nigeria were trailing 3-1 to a star-studded Brazil team featuring Ronaldo, Bebeto, and Rivaldo.
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13:20 - 25.07.2024
When Nigeria beat Brazil: The Dream Team's brightest moment at the Olympics
The Dream Team's win against Brazil in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games went down as arguably the greatest moment in Nigerian football history
With just minutes left, Kanu scored to make it 3-2 before producing a stunning golden goal winner in extra time, sealing a 4-3 victory.
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His goals took Nigeria to the final and set them on the path to making history as the first African team to win Olympic gold.
Nwankwo Kanu’s story is one of courage, resilience, and greatness. From a career-threatening heart condition to becoming Nigeria’s greatest big-game player, he proved that nothing is impossible with determination.
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07:10 - 26.02.2025
That touch: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu stuns Nigerians with age-defying Papilo magic in training video
13 years after retirement, Nigerian and Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu showed in training at his club, Enyimba International FC, that he still has that magical touch that made him an icon.
His legacy extends beyond football, inspiring generations with his triumph over adversity and his commitment to saving lives. A true Nigerian hero