Super Eagles legend, Nwankwo Kanu, clocked 42 on Wednesday.
The ex-Arsenal forward took to Twitter to celebrate himself.
I THANK GOD.HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.🙏🙏🙏💪💪👍👍👏🏽👏🏽 #thankgod #happybirthdaytome pic.twitter.com/H34fVLlDWl
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) August 1, 2018
Here are four evergreen moments about the two-time African Footballer of the Year.
1 – Hat-trick against Canada at 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup
Nigeria was the underdogs in a group that had Argentina, Australia and Canada. The Golden Eaglets weren’t expected to advance beyond the first round. Boom. Kanu struck thrice against Canada as the Africans cruised to an 8-0 victory. It was a game that unearthed the Nigerian gem.
2 – Super Eagles debut against Sweden
Despite becoming a household name in Europe after the U17 World Cup, Kanu was not considered for an international cap. The lanky forward joined Ajax at 16 and established himself as a deadly poacher. That opportunity finally came against Sweden in 1994. He would go on to make 87 appearances with 12 goals.
3 – Brace against Brazil at Atlanta 1996
Kanu hit the target just once in the group phase of the 1996 Olympic. He didn’t stand to be counted in the quarter-final victory over Mexico. Against Brazil, the skipper led by example. With less than one minute to the game’s end, Kanu broke the South American’s hearts and struck again to win the game for Nigeria.
4 – Fifteen minutes hat-trick for Arsenal against Chelsea in 1999
The Blues had taken a 2-0 lead in the fixture. With 15 minutes left, Kanu netted in the 75th, 83rd and 90th minute to complete a remarkable comeback for the Gunners.
