Eto'o: Why I Honoured Kanu

Inter Milan of Italy and Cameroon international, Samuel Eto’o Fils said he came to Nigeria to play in the testimonial match held in honour of former skipper of the Super Eagles, Nwankwo Kanu because the Nigerian is his role model.

Eto’o noted that Kanu’s love for charity and children also motivated him to honour the match played on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.

Eto’o and a host of retired and active players from Europe converged in Lagos to honour kanu, who called it quits with international football after a glorious career. The Eagles All Stars defeated the Friends of Kanu 3-1 in the match.

Eto’o, who plies his trade at Inter Milan of Italy, a club where Kanu was discovered to have a heart problem said, “It’s great to be in Nigeria, Kanu is a role model to me. I also want to commend the fans for coming out to cheer us.”

The former Barcelona of Spain striker added: “Kanu is dear to my heart because he is a man who has love and affection for the people. It is a great pleasure to associate myself with what Kanu has been doing and what he will be doing. I will always make myself available whenever there is a match to raise funds for the Kanu Heart Foundation.”

The former Real Betis of Spain star was elated by the cheering of Lagos fans, and said he never knew he has a huge fan-base in Nigeria.

“I never knew that I have a lot of my fans in Nigeria. Their cheers whenever I was on the ball really showed that I’m a toast of Nigerian football fans. I want to thank them for their support once again,” he said.

Kanu scored the first of Eagles’ three goals, while Emmanuel Adebayor of Real Madrid netted Kanu and Friends’ only goal.

—Adebobola Alawode