'Saving 700 Hearts Is My ‘Best Trophy’- How Arsenal, Nigeria Great Nwankwo Kanu Turned Pain Into Hope

If you were born in the 1990s, the name Nwankwo Kanu immediately brings memories of dazzling footwork, audacious goals, and the signature two-finger salute.

The Arsenal and Nigeria legend is not only remembered for his football brilliance but also for his big heart—literally and figuratively.

Born and raised in Owerri, the capital of Imo State in south-eastern Nigeria, it is fitting that Kanu embodies the usefulness of the heart. Owerri’s slogan, Eastern Heartland, reflects its central location in Igboland, home of the Igbo people, and Kanu’s life story mirrors that symbolism

.PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

At just 19, Kanu’s football dreams almost came to an end. In 1996, a routine medical check-up during his transfer from Ajax to Inter Milan revealed a life-threatening heart defect.

The defect threatened his career, but Kanu underwent successful surgery and made a remarkable comeback, playing until 2012. A second corrective surgery followed in 2014.

During a recent interview in Kenya on NTV's SportOn! with James Wokabi and Elijah Ouko, Kanu reflected on that pivotal moment.

“That (undergoing life-saving heart surgeries) is why I started the foundation. I have gone through it, I have seen it, and I can look back and say phew,” Kanu said as first quoted by Nation.

In 2000, he established the Kanu Heart Foundation to provide life-saving surgeries for less-privileged children in Nigeria, focusing on early detection.

The foundation has sponsored over 700 successful open-heart surgeries, an achievement he counts as his greatest.

“It does not make sense to be a legend and not give back,” Kanu said.

“My best trophy is seeing a child happy after undergoing a successful heart surgery,” Kanu said in an earlier statement.

Yet, the work is far from over. Kanu admitted he feels immense pressure to do more.

“Our waiting list has over 150 cases. That gives us pressure, and we are now planning to build a hospital in Nigeria soon,” he said.

While the foundation provides one pressure, Kanu faces another from fans regarding Arsenal’s league trophy drought. He is a member of the 2002 and 2004 league-winning teams.

“When Arsenal is not doing well, people call my name because I made them support the club,” Kanu laughed, before tipping the current squad.

“I know I said the same thing in previous years, but I believe this is our year.”

He acknowledged the current Gunners must overcome the "bottlers’ tag" to equal the 2004 "Invincibles." “Invincibles were warriors and finished what they started,” Kanu stated.

Kanu identified winger Bukayo Saka as his favourite current player. “He scores and assists goals, and his work rate is very high,” he said.

He also commented on fellow Nigerian Alex Iwobi. “His progress has been top. I always tell him to see himself as a superstar,” Kanu said.

Kanu, who played in three World Cups, remains bullish on the Super Eagles' prospects. “A World Cup without Nigeria is not a World Cup. Nigeria will be at the World Cup and Afcon is ours to win it,” he declared.

The Kanu legacy may continue via his 19-year-old son, Sean. “He has the talent... I know it is difficult because there is pressure on him... but gradually I believe he will be a superstar,” Kanu said.

Kanu was in Kenya for a Guinness promotional tour, surprising EPL fans with the Premier League trophy. 

“I have heard a lot about Kenya having wonderful EPL-mad fans and I came here to... make them feel special,” he said.