Nwankwo Kanu, Nigeria’s two-time African Footballer of the Year (1996 and 1999), is more than just a football icon—he’s a story of resilience, humility, and determination. For those who have seen his magic on the pitch but don’t know the man behind the legend, you’re in for a journey through his incredible life.
Rising from Humble Beginnings: Nwankwo Kanu’s Life Story and Path to Football Stardom
Kanu’s story begins in Okija, a small town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. Growing up alongside his siblings, Christopher and Ogbonna, in humble surroundings, Kanu’s early years laid the foundation for his legendary football career. His path to greatness wasn’t just about football, though—his personal life is just as inspiring. He married Amara Nwankwo when she was just 18, a decade younger than him, a decision that sparked a lifelong love story.
Together, they have built a family, raising three children: Sean, Pinky, and Iyang. One of their children is already stepping into Kanu’s shoes, continuing the family legacy in football.
Of course, no story about Nwankwo Kanu is complete without mentioning his heart condition, a challenge that could have ended his career but instead became a source of inspiration. His fight against this life-threatening condition and his determination to return to the game is something every football fan should know. So, let’s dive into the rich tapestry of Kanu’s life, from his beginnings to the legacy he continues to build.
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 spent his childhood in Owerri, Nigeria, growing up with his brothers, Christopher and Ogbonna, as well as his stepbrothers, Anderson Gabolalmo Kanu and Henry Isaac. His football journey began with the Nigerian league club Federation Works, where he first showcased his talent, before making the move to Iwuanyanwu Nationale to further develop his skills.
Olympic Glory:
Kanu once captained the Nigerian football team to a historic gold medal at the Olympics, a moment etched in the memories of many Nigerians. In a thrilling semi-final match against Brazil, Kanu delivered two late goals, turning a 2–3 deficit into a dramatic 4–3 victory during extra time. His clutch performance remains one of the most celebrated moments in Nigerian football history.
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.
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.
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.
Below is a full family photo of Kanu and his adorable wife and children.
Kanu’s wife, Amara, prioritized her education even after their marriage. She earned her first degree in architecture and completed a diploma before the birth of their daughter. In addition to these achievements, Amara recently obtained her MBA, demonstrating her dedication to both her family and her academic pursuits.
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.
“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,”
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? Linda Ikeji’s younger sister, Laura Ikeji Kanu, once married 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.
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:
Shortly after his return from the Olympics, Kanu’s football career faced a major setback when a medical examination at Inter Milan revealed a serious heart defect. In November 1996, he underwent surgery to replace an aortic valve, and his recovery kept him off the pitch until April 1997.
Kanu often speaks about his Christian faith, describing this challenging period as one where he turned to prayer, relying on his belief in God to get through the ordeal.
His personal experience with heart issues inspired him to establish the Kanu Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping young African children suffering from heart defects, providing them with life-saving medical care.
Records:
Kanu has cemented his place in African football history with an impressive array of achievements. His accolades include winning three FA Cup winners’ medals, a UEFA Champions League title, a UEFA Cup and two African Player of the Year awards, among many others. Kanu is among the distinguished athletes who have won the prestigious BBC African Sports Personality of the Year award. This accolade places him in the company of other African football legends, including Jay-Jay Okocha (2003 & 2004), Didier Drogba (2009), Michael Essien (2006), André Ayew (2011), Yaya Touré (2013), and Mohamed Salah (2017, 2018).
Remarkably, Kanu is part of an elite group of players who have won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. Kanu holds a unique record in Premier League history, having made the third-most substitute appearances. Over the course of his career, he came off the bench 118 times, demonstrating his consistent ability to make an impact as a game-changer.
Appreciation Note and Fact Check:
We say, “Thank you”… for taking the 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 Nigeria. The Childhood stories of Taiwo Awoniyi and Ademola Lookman would interest you. Finally, kindly give us your feedback about Nwankwo Kanu’s Bio and his impressive career story.
