Kanu - dazzling talents (Allsport).
KANU
Position: Forward
Born: 01.08.76
Club: Arsenal
The 6ft 5in Nigerian has dazzled Premiership crowds since he made the move to Arsenal in 1999.
But Kanu's incredible array of tricks and flicks aren't just to please the crowds. There is substance to go with the show.
Kanu's impressive CV includes a Champions League victory with Ajax in 1995, an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in 1997, an Under 17 World Cup winners' medal in 1993 and two African Footballer of the Year titles (1996 & 1999).
He was a disappointment in the last World Cup so will be desperate to reproduce the performances he showed at the 1996 Olympics when he was the star of the show as Nigeria overcame Brazil and Argentina to take the gold medal.
He will certainly relish the group game with England where he is likely to come face to face with club colleagues Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole.
Whatever Kanu achieves on the pitch, he has already won his biggest battle after overcoming a life-threatening heart problem while at Inter Milan three years ago.
After receiving successful treatment in America, he set up the Kanu Heart Foundation which raises awareness and funds to help African children with heart diseases.
Part of the Nigerian squad that finished third in the African Nations Cup earlier this year.
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