The King is 42!
Kanu Nwankwo has once again united football; at least on this day, as the former Nigeria International and Arsenal forward marks a milestone in the journey of life.
A fine footballer in his day and even better man off it, Kanu dedicated his time not to just carrying teams and winning honors, but also lifting the downtrodden – with his Heart Foundation.
Papilo made his mark as a 17-year-old in 1993, when he captained Nigeria to the U17 World Cup and since then has not looked back.
His biggest fight though would come off the pitch after he also helped put Nigerian football on the map at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Soon after returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination, which revealed a serious heart defect; he underwent surgery in November 1996 to replace an aortic valve and did not return to football until April 1997.
These circumstances endeared him more to the fans and little wonder, the King is celebrated today by the football community.
I THANK GOD.HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.
#thankgod #happybirthdaytome pic.twitter.com/H34fVLlDWl — Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) August 1, 2018
His former Premier League club, Arsenal tweeted:
Look who turns 42 today! pic.twitter.com/kk0Wxw9WJb
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 1, 2018
Inter Milan tweeted:
He scored just one goal with the Nerazzurri, but his celebration was certainly something to remember!
Happy Birthday @papilokanu!
#InterForever
He scored just one goal with the Nerazzurri, but his celebration was certainly something to remember!
Happy Birthday @papilokanu! #InterForever pic.twitter.com/HRpMbH0Yej
— Inter (@Inter_en) August 1, 2018
Enugu Rangers midfielder, Abu Azeez also joined the train with his birthday wish to the King. He tweeted:
Happy birthday KING…. kan-u do it? @papilokanu more grace master
Happy birthday KING…. kan-u do it? @papilokanu more grace master pic.twitter.com/GVHGdpXlqJ
— IG »»» officialzeez (@iamzeezaga) August 1, 2018
The post Salute! Arsenal, Inter, Abu Azeez Celebrate King Kanu appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria.