Tunde Folawiyo

As Nigeria’s national football team embarks on yet another World Cup venture, players of the past and their contributions to the team remain fresh in the minds of fans and players alike. Since its founding, the team has long been home to a number of incredible athletes. Nwankwo Kanu remains one of the most famed athletes in African sports for his accomplishments on the field. Fans of the Super Eagles, such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the country of Nigeria and beyond may have witnessed the outstanding displays of talent seen while Kanu navigated the green.

Born 1 August 1976 in Owerri, Nigeria, Nwankwo Kanu embarked on his football career at Nigeria’s Federation Works ahead of transferring to Iwuanyanwu Nationale. Following an impressive performance at U-17 World Championship, he signed with AFC Ajax during 1993. Scoring 25 goals over 54 appearances with the club, he was a sub in the team’s Champions League final win in 1995. During 1996, Internazionale acquired Kanu for the sum of $4.7 million. He served as captain of Nigeria’s team at the Olympics, leading them to a gold medal victory. He scored two goals during the semifinals, overturning Brazil’s 2-3 into a 4-3 victory for Nigeria during extra time. Accomplishments such as these have permanently cemented Kanu into African football history. That year, he was also awarded as Africa’s Footballer of the Year, demonstrating his immense talent in the sport.

While his contributions to the sport of football in Nigeria are of significant note, so are his philanthropic efforts. Upon being diagnosed with a heart defect that required surgery, Kanu founded the Kanu Heart Foundation, which aids African children currently suffering from heart defects, though the foundation’s efforts have since expanded to providing homes for homeless children throughout the continent.

Since its establishment, the Nigerian football team has long hosted players whose reputations far surpass those of their accomplishments on the field. As the African continent continues to face its struggles, the sport of football brings joy to countless individuals hoping to escape the realities of the poverty and disease that plague many citizens throughout its borders. As the team prepares for its World Cup appearance this summer, fans of the team, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others across the globe, may continue to be inspired by the tremendous talent that has once navigated the football fields of Nigeria.

Amid speculation regarding the Super Eagles choice of coach for the club’s World Cup appearance, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced it will not engage the services of a foreign football coach for the nation’s senior male team. The news comes ahead of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Fans of the Super Eagles, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others, may find comfort in the clarification.

Speaking at the Federation’s media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Emeka Inyama, the Chairman, NFF Media and Publicity Committee, gave the assurance. Whilst speculation centred around the prospect of a foreign manager for the Super Eagles may be ongoing, Inyama noted the NFF’s confidence in Stephen Keshi, pledging support for the coach.

“I want to use this medium to clarify the issue once and for all, that we do not have plans as a Federation to hire any other coach for the World Cup. We do not have any plans whatsoever to bring any foreign assistant to work with Keshi,” he said.

Though the Federation’s plans to stick with Keshi have now been clarified, the NFF Executive Board member has acknowledged previous concerns between the Federation, the Super Eagles and their head coach.

“It seems as if there is war. It seems as if the country is going to break into two. But honestly, I want to assure you today that there is peace. There is no tension.”

Founded in 1949, the Nigerian National Football team have overcome various obstacles throughout their history as a club. Controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles became the first African football team to win gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, an accomplishment of vast significance for African sports. Twice qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, the team later went on to win a Silver Medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 after suffering a 0-1 defeat against Argentina. The Super Eagles also won a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa games and later went on to win third place in the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations. They won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013, one they’ve won 3 times in their history, further demonstrating the team’s enormous talent on the field. Through decades of triumphs and disappointments, the Super Eagles continue to inspire citizens of Africa as the sport of football remains a passion of many throughout the continent. Fans such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may approach this summer’s World Cup in Brazil with high hopes of a Super Eagles success story.