Nigerians are celebrating legendary football icon Nwankwo Kanu as he turns 44 today.
Born on August 1, 1976, the former Nigerian national who played for English club side Arsenal FC is fondly called ‘Papilo’ by many who still remember his outstanding achievements as one of Africa’s greatest players.
In his distinguished career, Kanu won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup medals, and two African Player of the Year awards. He is regarded as one of the best players in African football history.
Nigerians are celebrating the sports icon on Twitter, with some remembering some of the highlights of his career.
See their tweets below:
Happy 44th birthday to the Super Eagles legend, Nwankwo Kanu @papilokanu . ????????????
What is your best memory of "Papilo" in a Nigerian National team jersey? ???? pic.twitter.com/9GDuLtCiUI
— NairaBET (@NairaBET) August 1, 2020
Nwankwo Kanu turns 44 today. Here is some magic from way back. Greatest African player to ever don the Arsenal jersey by far. What a talent!
Happy Birthday Papilo. ????pic.twitter.com/TKZRCJwCIq
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) August 1, 2020
Happy birthday papilo. Wishing you the best on your birthday#livinglegend https://t.co/X3wQYmfWFG
— Fejiro Daniel (@FejiroDaniel1) August 1, 2020
The most decorated Nigerian footballer, Kanu Nwankwo, clocks 44 today!
Premier League ????????
???????????????????????????? FA Cup ????????????
???????????????????????????? Super Cup ????
UCL ????
UEFA Cup ????
UEFA Super Cup ????
???????? Dutch League ????????????
???????? Dutch Cup ????
2️⃣X African Footballer of The YearHappy Birthday to Papilo! ????#GetSporty pic.twitter.com/DC5cpV5FHi
— SportyBet Nigeria (@sportybetng) August 1, 2020
Happy Birthday to one of Africans legend “Nwankwo "Papilo" Kanu!
???? UEFA Champions League
???? UEFA Cup
???? 3x FA Cup
???? Olympic Gold Medal
???? 2x English Premier League
???? 2x African Footballer of the Year
⚽️ FA Cup Winning Goal #papilo pic.twitter.com/LN2Vt0ZUQf— Ojb Sports (@Ojbsport) August 1, 2020
Kanu is my best footballer of all time. I just like his simple playing style. Those were the days supporting striker was everything important and the likes of Kanu made it beautiful and effective .
Happy birthday, papilo, 'the gangling striker'!
— bally jibril (@Balajibril1) August 1, 2020
Happy birthday Legend Papilo
You made us proud pic.twitter.com/JK5YfNN889— Best Igho (@BestIgho1) August 1, 2020
Happy birthday to my friend @papilokanu today. Today his team plays Chelsea in the FA cup final. pic.twitter.com/V1TaWe2pY5
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) August 1, 2020
Happy Birthday Papilo
Man Is always a joy to watch ????
Arsenal will always remember pic.twitter.com/H2o3XtaAvE— Wizkid's Hypeman???? (@ii_davinc) August 1, 2020
Hearty birthday wishes to a dear friend and a global football legend, Kanu Nwankwo @kingkanu4.
You are evidence of the endless possibilities of life, a glowing inspiration to an entire generation, and an embodiment of compassion for humanity. pic.twitter.com/3fgh0E2VTz
— Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (@valentineozigbo) August 1, 2020
This pic was taken on @theamarakanu’s birthday just before Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA cup final on 27/05/2017.
Today is @papilokanu’s birthday and it’s another FA cup final against Chelsea. Are you thinking what I’m thinking ?????
Happy Birthday to my bro King Kanu ????. pic.twitter.com/yDx3cmotDW
— Dr. Kelechi Anyikude (@KelechiAFC) August 1, 2020
???? Legendary African footballer Nwankwo Kanu turns 44 today! ????
???????? The Nigerian is one of the continent's greatest talents, dazzling fans all over the world throughout his career ????????@NGSuperEagles | @papilokanu pic.twitter.com/3569lhdqXO
— CAF (@CAF_Online) August 1, 2020
Happy birthday #papilo pic.twitter.com/49LU4c2VEm
— JERRY EBBY (@JerryEbby) August 1, 2020
Happy birthday to you papilo, wish you many more blessed years ahead.
— Freshman Brother (@BrotherFreshman) August 1, 2020
???? 87 Caps
⚽️ 12 GoalsFIFA U-17 World Cup: 1993
Olympic Gold Medal: 1996
African Footballer of the Year: 1996, 1999
BBC African Footballer of the Year: 1997, 1999Happy Birthday, @papilokanu.
Nwankwo Kanu turns 44 today.#Papilo #NwankwoKanu ???????????? pic.twitter.com/w3vb8C06Ae— EaglesTracker – The home of Nigerian Footballers (@EaglesTrackerNG) August 1, 2020
Massive ! Happy birthday Papilo… thank you for unforgettable moments… https://t.co/nhDzchHBUM
— MAESTRO @PETALS (@maestropetals) August 1, 2020
Happy 44th birthday to Papilo Kanu.
I remember watching him play and it was magic. I just knew I was going to see magic. More life big man. @papilokanu— Leo Dasilva (@SirLeoBDasilva) August 1, 2020
Happy Birthday to you, boss. It was an honor to watch you play. You brought Nigeria joy. You deserve all the best things in life. We love you, Papilo.????????????❤️ ???????? @papilokanu pic.twitter.com/dwlQtX9ogU
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) August 1, 2020
