Ex-Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu, has given an insight into his proposed charity match for his heart foundation.
Kanu, 42, suffered heart problem during his playing career, which spurred him to start up a charity to help kids in 2000.
The ex-Arsenal striker returns to London next month for a charity match to raise the money to provide life-saving treatment for another 200 youngsters in Nigeria, as well as to build a new cardiac centre in Abuja that will mean the charity no longer has to fly children and their families to India and the United Kingdom for life-saving operations.
“When they have these heart issues these kids don’t smile, don’t play, they are quiet. After the operation, they fly,” the 42-year-old told Standard Sport.
“One of them could be the next Kanu, or even the president of the country if we can help them. It’s not about football. It’s about saving lives.
“Imagine going around the world to India for a heart operation. If the child doesn’t have family or money it’ll be so difficult.
“Believe me, I know what it’s like to have heart problems. You can have an ankle or shoulder injury and in six or eight months you’re healed. But if the heart stops for a few moments that’s it.”
Kanu won’t be on his own at the Hive on September 30, with a host of familiar faces certain to warm the hearts of Arsenal fans lining up alongside the 42-year-old.
Robert Pires, Sol Campbell and Lauren’s presence offer a mini-Invincibles reunion, a chance for them to reminisce on the days when Arsenal was the scourge of English football.
