Kanu retires in style – My regrets for Kanu- Ladipo

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports Sunday, June 12th, 2011

The atmosphere at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, on Saturday night, was simply electric, as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballer of all time, Nwankwo Kanu, played his testimonial match alongside great football stars from around the world.

Football fans could not but savour the frills and thrills that came with the event, as Kanu’s friends from his playing days in Ajax, Frank and Ronald De Boer, Patrick Viera, his ex-Arsenal teammate and of course, the league of African stars led by Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, Peter Rufai, Sunday Oliseh, George Finidi, Ike Shorunmu and Peterside Idah to mention a few graced occasion.

While the fun lasted, President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, took a momentary time off to look closely at the star of the day, Kanu, in whose honour the match was held and shook his head. He let a smile break his thoughts as he returned to his singing and gyration moments.

He later revealed what happened in that split second and said he’s full of regrets for the former Super Eagles’ captain, as he played his last game in the colours of Nigeria. “I felt proud of being a part of the event that saw Kanu retire formally from playing international football for Nigeria. Kanu is such a great player that is loved by all and it is a pity he is quitting at this time. If I had my way, I would want him to carry on playing because of the experience he brings to bear on the national team. Presently, he is still playing for Portsmouth and have shown great resilience such that his coaches still see him as a factor,” he began.

Nigeria, according to Ladipo remains a factor to be reckoned with. “I’ve come to understand over the years that we rush our players out of the national team too early. I tell you, if a player like Ryan Giggs were to be an Englishman, he’ll still be playing for the English Three Lions. We’re quick to calling our players ‘tired legs’ and forcing them out when we should actually encourage them. “Look at the great Roger Milla and Rigobert Song of Cameroon, who played for their national team even when they were above 40 years. Their contributions were there for all to see, but I feel sad that a player like Kanu has called time on international football for Nigeria.”

Recalling the great efforts of Kanu at the Japan’93 FIFA World Cup for Under-17 men under Coach Fanny Amun, Dr. Ladipo added that but for Kanu, Nigeria would not have returned from Atlanta’96 Olympics with a gold medal from the football event.

“I can’t forget in a hurry his magical display against Argentina in the semi-final and Brazil in the final at the Olympics. That experience would remain evergreen in my memory and we should continue to celebrate him because he deserves it.” Kanu was a member of the Nigerian national team from 1994 until 2010, making his debut in friendly against Sweden. Earlier on at the start of his career, Kanu was instrumental in Nigeria’s overall success at the 1993 FIFA Under-17 tournament in Japan and the team’s subsequent 2-1 victory over Ghana in the final. With five goals, he was second highest joint-scorer in the tournament with Peter Anosike and Manuel Neira, behind compatriot and captain, Wilson Oruma.

As well as winning the Olympic gold in the football event in 1996, Kanu participated in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. On June 24, 2010, Kanu ended his international career following Nigeria’s exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Nigeria lost her group matches against Argentina and Greece before a 2-2 draw with South Korea ended the country’s stay in the tournament.

Kanu won 86 caps and scored 13 goals for the country and is the joint most capped Nigerian player of all time alongside Muda Lawal. Soon after returning from the Olympics in 1996, 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. He 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 his founding of the Kanu Heart Foundation, an organisation that helps predominantly young African children who suffer heart defects. He is known throughout Africa for his philanthropic work.

He remains the most decorated Nigerian player in Europe after winning major honours in the Netherlands with Ajax Amsterdam, as well as in England with Arsenal and Portsmouth. The recently appointed Ambassador of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) featured at three World Cups – 1998, 2002 and 2010. He led Nigeria to an historic Olympic soccer gold in 1996. He has also been voted CAF Footballer of the Year twice (1996 and 1999) and he is a UNICEF Ambassador.

The Nigerian legend, Nwankwo Kanu, recently emerged tops in a six-month quest to find Nigeria’s 50 greatest players on SuperSport.com.

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