Nwankwo Kanu Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts

Nwankwo Kanu Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts

LifeBogger presents the Full Story of a Nigerian Football Legend best known by the Nickname; “Papilo”.

Our version of Nwankwo Kanu’s Biography brings you a full account of events from his childhood to date.

The analysis of the Nigerian Football Legend involves his life story before fame, family life and many OFF and ON-Pitch facts about him.

Yes, everyone knows about his skilful abilities. More so, his Football Legendary status, which is very similar to that of Jay-Jay Okocha.

While writing the stories of Legendary Nigerian footballers, we found a knowledge deficit. Not many fans have read an in-depth version of Nwankwo Kanu’s Biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s Begin.

Nwankwo Kanu Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For Biography starters, Nwankwo Kanu was born on the 1st day of August 1976 in Owerri, Imo, Nigeria. His surname, Nwankwo, means ‘Child born on Nkwo market day’ in the Igbo language.

He was born to Mrs Susan, his mother and father, Mr Iheme Kanu, who is a native of Okija in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. Do you know?… Nwankwo Kanu and Calvin Bassey (through his Dad, Ikenna) both have Anambra as their Nigerian state of origin.

Kanu grew up in Owerri, Nigeria, alongside his brothers; (Christopher and Ogbonna Kanu) and stepbrothers Anderson Gabolalmo Kanu and Henry Isaac.

He began his career at the Nigerian league club Federation Works before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

Super Eagles legendary footballer Kanu Nwankwo was still a teenager when he became a celebrity after driving his nation to win the FIFA under-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets.
Within months, he was living the dream, joining AFC Ajax in 1993 for €207,047.
The rest, as they say, is now history.

Nwankwo Kanu Biography Facts – Olympic Glory:

Kanu once captained the Nigerian team that won gold at the Olympics.

Perhaps still in the memory of Nigerians, Kanu scored two late goals in the semi-finals against powerhouses Brazil to overturn a 2–3 scoreline into a 4–3 win in extra time.

Nwankwo Kanu has also been named African Footballer of the Year for that year, all thanks to his involvement in his nation’s 1996 victory.

Who is Amara Nwankwo? Nwankwo Kanu’s Wife:

Kanu is happily married to Amarachi. Just like Nigeria’s Omotola Ekeinde, Amara Nwankwo got married in her teens (at the age of 18).

According to the celebrity wife, she was so in love with the ex-Arsenal player to the point that age became just a number to her. Kanu is ten years older than Amara. Here is young Amarachi in Love.

Kanu married Amarachi when she was 18, reminiscent of Omotola Ekeinde's early marriage.
Kanu married Amarachi when she was 18, reminiscent of Omotola Ekeinde’s early marriage.

In her words…

“I wasn’t scared. Again, I felt like it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

I was in love, so there was no time for a negative feeling like fear to come up.
Thou, I wasn’t ready to be thrust into the limelight.

I didn’t even know what I was getting myself into at some point.

Again, I wasn’t a football fan and I knew nothing about the Premiership talkless of leaving the shores of Nigeria. Now I have travelled far and wide and have become a football fan” Amarachi said.

The wedding between Kanu and Amarachukwu.
The wedding between Kanu and Amarachukwu.

Kanu and Amarachi’s Children:

After her marriage, childbirth followed without a waste of time. They are now blessed with three children; two boys (Iyang Onyekachi Kanu), (Sean Chukwudi Kanu) and a girl (Pinky Amarachi Kanu).

Meet Nwankwo Kanu's Children.
Meet Nwankwo Kanu’s Children.

Below is a full family photo of Kanu and his adorable wife and children.

Kanu’s wife, Amara, made sure she completed her education after her marriage. She went on to have a first degree in Architecture. She also received a diploma before the birth of her daughter. Most recently, she got her MBA.

Sean, who is the first son of a former Nigerian international, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a footballer. Sean (the tallest) once scored four goals in one game for his team.

Kanu Nwankwo’s Son- The biggest and best in his team

As of the time of writing, he currently plays for the Under-11 team of the English side Watford. Kanu’s wife, upon hearing the good news, took to Instagram to share her joy, writing:

Amara Kanu prioritized her education after marriage, achieving a degree in Architecture and an MBA.
Amara Kanu prioritized her education after marriage, achieving a degree in Architecture and an MBA.

“Enfield Winners!!! Whoop Whoop. Congrats to my darling boy and his team for winning the Enfield football cup for your school. My Sean boy.

My top scorer. Your hard work, dedication and compassion don’t go unnoticed. You make me so proud to be your mum. More grease. More blessings. You deserve it,”

Nwankwo Kanu Untold Biography Facts – The Linda Ikeji Ties:

What happens when the sister of Nigeria’s biggest blogger marries the brother of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers?

The younger sister of Linda Ikeji, Laura Ikeji Kanu, once got married to Kanu Nwankwo’s younger brother, Ogbonna Kanu, in the village of Nkwerre, in Imo State, Nigeria. Here is Ogbonna Kanu’s marriage to Laura Ikeji.

Ogbonna Kanu and Laura Ikeji's wedding.
Ogbonna Kanu and Laura Ikeji’s wedding.

Personality:

Starting off, Kanu has the following attributes to his personality.

Kanu’s Strengths: He is Creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful and humorous.

Weaknesses: He could be lazy and inflexible.

What Kanu likes: Theater, taking holidays, being admired, expensive things, bright colours and having fun with friends.

Kanu dislikes: Being ignored, facing difficult reality, not being treated like a king.

In essence, Kanu is a natural-born leader, having captained the Nigerian National football team for 14 years.

There is always “king of the jungle” status in him. This is why he chose to marry a girl who is ten years younger than him.

Nwankwo Kanu Car:

Kanu is a lover of Ferrari cars. Below is the Legend and his sons posing at one of his Ferraris.

Nwankwo Kanu Heart Story:

However, soon after returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination at Inter, which revealed a serious heart defect.

He underwent surgery in November 1996 to replace an aortic valve and did not return to his club until April 1997.

In interviews, Kanu frequently cites his faith as a Christian and has often mentioned this trying time of his career as an occasion when he prayed to God.

Kanu’s experience also led to the founding of the Kanu Heart Foundation. This is an organisation that helps predominantly young African children who suffer from heart defects.

Nwankwo Kanu Untold Biography Facts – Records:

Kanu is currently in the football history books of Africa. He has won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup Winners Medals and two African Player of the Year awards, amongst others.

Nwankwo Kanu is also one of few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.

He made the third-most substitute appearances in Premier League history, appearing from the bench 118 times.

Appreciation Note and Fact Check:

LifeBogger says, “Thank you”… for taking your time to read Nwankwo Kanu’s Biography.

We care about accuracy and fairness in our collective quest to deliver you Naija Football Stories. The Nigerian Football Legend’s Bio is a product of our African football category.

Please contact us (via comment) if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in our version of Papilo’s History.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for more interesting Football Stories from LifeBogger.

The Childhood stories of Michael Obafemi, Taiwo Awoniyi and Yussuf Poulsen would interest you. Finally, kindly give us your feedback about Nwankwo Kanu’s Bio and his impressive career story.

Hi there! I am Hale Hendrix, a passionate football enthusiast and writer dedicated to uncovering the untold stories of footballers' childhood and biography. With a deep love for the beautiful game, I have spent countless hours researching and interviewing players to bring to light the lesser-known details of their lives.

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