That touch: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu stuns Nigerians with age-defying Papilo magic in training video

Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu | Imago

That touch: Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu stuns Nigerians with age-defying Papilo magic in training video

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:10 - 26.02.2025

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.

In a stunning display of age-defying skill, Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, affectionately known as 'Papilo', has left Nigerians in awe with his magical touch during a training session at Enyimba International FC. 

13 years after his retirement, the 48-year-old Nigerian and Arsenal icon rolled back the years, displaying that class is indeed permanent. 

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In a viral video, Kanu is seen receiving the ball, juggling it, and kicking it high into the air, finishing with a fantastic first touch that leaves the ball motionless. 

He captioned the video 'Kan U believe it?' and asked, "What do you think and have to say?"

Nwankwo Kanu is the Enyimba chairman and occasionally trains with the team.
Nwankwo Kanu is the Enyimba chairman and occasionally trains with the team.

The video has elicited a wave of admiration from fans and fellow players alike. Super Eagles star Kelechi Nwakali simply exclaimed, "That touch." 

Enyimba's on-loan star Chibueze Izuogu praised Kanu's skill with "Clean Touch." Kanu's wife, Amara, affectionately referred to him as "King & the ball." 

Kanu in the latest video.

Some fans jokingly suggested that he should come back from retirement to help Manchester United in midfield, while others praised him with phrases like "Once a baller, always a baller" and "Papilo!!! One day.... you go make us proud!"

Kanu, who is currently the Chairman of Enyimba FC, hopes that his training display will motivate and inspire his team as they face a challenging season. 

Enyimba, currently in 10th place, are set to host second-place Shooting Stars in a crucial NPFL match, aiming to bounce back from their seventh defeat of the season. 

Despite past criticisms, Kanu remains a celebrated figure, with many regarding him as a hero and one of Africa's greatest footballers.

Brown Ideye (left) and Enyimba training

In recent efforts to bolster Enyimba's performance, Kanu has introduced new signings, including a Super Eagles star and seven other players, in a bid to rescue the club from a poor season. 

However, these moves have yet to yield the desired results, leaving Kanu under pressure to turn things around. 

Enyimba continue to struggle across competitions.

Despite these challenges, his presence and influence on the team remain significant, inspiring both the players and the fans with his timeless passion for the game.