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Football / Olympic champion
Olympic gold medallist and two-time African Footballer of the Year
NIGERIAFootball
Nwankwo Kanu is one of the most celebrated footballers in Nigeria’s history. He led Nigeria’s “Dream Team” to Olympic football gold at the Atlanta 1996 Games, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way to Africa’s first Olympic football title.
At club level he won major honours across Europe, including the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, and Premier League and FA Cup titles with Arsenal. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999.
After undergoing heart surgery early in his career, he founded the Kanu Heart Foundation to support children with heart conditions, extending his legacy beyond the pitch.
Career milestones
Trace the moments, achievements and milestones that have defined the journey.
Career timeline
Archive
Moments from a remarkable football journey.
More legends
1990s–2000sFootball
Africa Cup of Nations winner 1994; Olympic gold, Atlanta 1996
2010s–PresentFootball
Record six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year
2010s–PresentFootball
African Footballer of the Year 2023; U-17 World Cup winner 2015
Football
Scored Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goal; Africa Cup of Nations winner 1994
Football
Africa Cup of Nations winner 1980, scoring twice in the final
1990s–2000sAthletics
Olympic long jump gold, Atlanta 1996: Nigeria’s first Olympic champion
