Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo has praised the national team for their third-place finish at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
Kanu described the campaign as a clear indication of growth, tactical improvement and renewed strength despite falling short of the final.
The former Super Eagles captain said Nigeria’s overall performance at the tournament showed a team moving in the right direction, urging the players to take pride in their achievement while continuing to refine their game ahead of future competitions.
Nigeria secured third place at the AFCON, easing some of the disappointment of missing out on the final and reinforcing belief in the current direction of the team under the present technical setup.
Kanu aligns with some former internationals, who have concluded that the Super Eagles’ campaign represented progress rather than failure, particularly given the consistency shown throughout the tournament.
“A Solid Performance from a Strong Team” – Kanu Nwankwo
Speaking on the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign, Kanu highlighted the team’s collective development and consistency, insisting the bronze medal should not be dismissed.
“All the same, they got the third place. We are proud of the boys,” Kanu said.
“If you look at the team, if you look at the way we play, you can see it is a strong solid performance from a strong team.”
The former Arsenal star added that improvement must remain continuous, even when results are encouraging.
“As a footballer I am happy they keep improving every day,” he said.
“We go back to the drawing board and do what we have to.”
Kanu’s Legendary Club Career
Kanu Nwankwo remains one of the most accomplished African footballers of all time.
He began his professional career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale in Nigeria before rising to global prominence at Ajax, where he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and three Dutch Eredivisie titles.
He later moved to Inter Milan, lifting the UEFA Cup, before becoming a household name in England with Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Kanu went on to add another FA Cup with Portsmouth and later featured for West Bromwich Albion, earning admiration for his longevity and influence across multiple clubs.
Read More: HOT SHOT: “Bronze Is Not a Trophy” – Sunday Oliseh Slams Super Eagles’ Third-Place Celebrations
Read More: BREAKING: After 15 Years, Nigeria Super Eagles Soar in FIFA Rankings After.. How??
Read More: “A Medal Is Still Success” – Garba Lawal Defends Super Eagles’ AFCON Bronze Finish
A Decorated International Career
On the international stage, Kanu earned over 80 caps for Nigeria and represented the country at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, as well as several AFCON tournaments. He won an AFCON silver medal in 2000 and achieved his greatest international success at the 1996 Olympic Games, captaining Nigeria to a historic gold medal.
Earlier in his career, he also lifted the FIFA Under-17 World Championship in 1993 and was twice crowned African Footballer of the Year, in 1996 and 1999.
