Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo marked his 46th birthday on Tuesday, 01 August 2023 with fellow citizens adoring him for the joy he brought to them in his playing days and ignoring insinuations that he is an enabler of President Bola Tinubu.
Kanu Nwankwo, a two-time African footballer of the year, in 1996 and 1999 was also a FIFA Under 17 winner in 1993. He was also a Champions League winner and was also decorated with the UEFA Cup medal, in addition to being a Dutch league and cup winner.
In England, he also won the EPL, FA Cup, and League Cup with Arsenal.Announcing his birthday early on Tuesday, the beloved footballer wrote on Twitter:
Responding to his announcement several friends and well-wishers went on Twitter to rejoice with him hailing him as a gift to football.
Hobnob News reports that memorable in the mind of many well-wishers was his remarkable outing at the 1996 Olympics where he joined his other colleagues to shame world football giants Argentina and Brazil to win the gold medal for Nigeria.
The football giant has also used his wealth and personality in philanthropy, particularly in providing assistance to Nigerians suffering heart ailments through his Kanu Heart Foundation.One football buff, however, took note of Kanu Nwankwo’s picture which had a portrait of President Tinubu in the background to insinuate that the footballer was a political enabler of the president.
However, the observation was ignored as many other Nigerians focused on the football and humanitarian memories they have of the man they call Papilo.
Super Bara Jackson @supabara
Happy Birthday Legendary Papilo 🎂🎁🎉 God bless you on every side
Arakunrín @Arakunrin_MFR
Thanks for making us proud while on the pitch of play. May your new year be an embodiment of grace with happiness over odds. #CheersPapillo
Blake Shelby (BCE) @Brightblake_
“Papilo, one day you go make us proud.” Happy birthday and more life, Arsenal legend! 🔥🔥😌
AUA BAWADA @__the__ansar
Happy Birthday 🎉 to the Nigerian football legend.
DML❣️21 @slife212
Many happy returns. Happy birthday man of hospitality 🙏
