In 1996, Nwankwo Kanu was named African Footballer of the Year after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold. That same year, doctors told him his heart was failing.
Kanu was born in Owerri, Imo State, in 1976. He first gained international attention with the Golden Eaglets, Nigeria’s under-17 team, who won the world title in Japan in 1993.
Ajax
Ajax Amsterdam signed him, and at just 18 he was part of the team that won the Champions League in 1995, beating AC Milan in the final. The Ajax side of that era was one of the great young teams in European football.
Atlanta 1996
Kanu captained Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In the semi-final against Brazil, Nigeria were 3-1 down late in the game. Kanu scored an equaliser and then the golden goal in extra time to win 4-3. Nigeria beat Argentina in the final to win gold.
The diagnosis
After joining Inter Milan in 1996, Kanu underwent a medical examination that revealed a serious defect in his aortic valve. He had surgery in the United States and was out of football for nearly a year. Many wondered if he would ever play again.
Inter
After his recovery, Kanu returned to Inter’s squad and was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1998, though he struggled for regular playing time in Milan.
Arsenal
Kanu returned and, in 1999, joined Arsenal under Arsène Wenger. He became a fan favourite for his skill and improbable goals, including a hat-trick in fifteen minutes against Chelsea in 1999. He won the Premier League twice and was part of the Invincibles squad that went unbeaten in 2003 to 2004.
He later played for West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth, scoring the winning goal in the 2008 FA Cup final for Portsmouth.
The foundation
After his surgery, Kanu set up the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has helped fund heart surgery for African children who could not afford treatment. He has spoken about wanting other children to have the chance he had.
Honours
Kanu was named African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999. He is one of the most decorated African players of his generation.
Doctors once doubted his heart would allow him to play again. He went on to win league titles in England and an FA Cup final, and to help mend the hearts of hundreds of children.
