Nwankwo Kanu has finally come to grips with his waning impact in the round leather game and has launched his most pointed retirement notice. In the wake of last weekend’s loss to Chelsea in the English FA Cup, the ex-Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion attacker cum midfielder admitted that he might have played his last match as a player in England.
The 33-year-old Kanu is the second most decorated African footballer ever, after Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, having also won the Champions League with Ajax and the UEFA Cup with Inter plus league titles in Nigeria, England and Holland.
Kanu, who has offers from Australia and the Middle East said: “This could be my last year in England, so going back to Wembley was special.
“The big stage is the best for a player and I’d say Wembley is the best one of all.”
Papilo stated further that he’s ready to end his Nigeria career: “I cannot play when I am 50. But I want to keep playing for one or two more years.”
Meanwhile, Kanu re-stated his belief that the Super Eagles could soar all the way at next month’s World Cup in South Africa.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already set a semi-final target for the Eagles in South Africa, but Kanu, who is on the verge of his third World Cup, has predicted Nigeria could even go all the way and win the tournament.
“Yes, this is a big opportunity for an African team especially, as the tournament would be played in Africa. It is a chance for an African team to make a big impact either to win the World Cup or at least, get to the final,” Kanu said on a BBC TV interview programme, Extra Time.
“Nigeria will be one of the strongest African teams at the World Cup. On a good day, we can beat any team, be it Brazil or Argentina.
“We only have to have the belief and be positive. We don't go down to anybody because we have to show the world we're good especially on a big stage like the World Cup.”
He added: “In Nigeria, we can die because of football. Four years ago, we did not make it to the World Cup, but luckily we will be in South Africa.
“We want to come out with something everybody can be proud of.” Kanu made history when he led Nigeria to become the first African team to win Olympic soccer gold in 1996, beating Brazil and Argentina on the way. Nigeria are drawn in a first round group that includes Argentina, Greece and
South Korea and Kanu warned that there will be surprises. “There will be surprises at this World Cup and it won't be advisable for anybody to underrate any team,” said Kanu.
“Argentina are a big football country, but all the same, we won't go into this match just to go and pick balls. It will be an interesting game and the result of this game could determine this group.
“It's important to win our first game and from there, we can move forward.”
Nigeria will begin training camp in England on Friday after a Presidential reception in Abuja the previous day.
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