Keshi reveals Kanu’s football success

[emezico]

Former Super Eagles captain Stephen Keshi says Nwankwo Kanu's success as a footballer is founded on dedication, discipline and honesty.


Keshi, who spoke after a testimonial in honour of the former Arsenal striker at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday, urged young African players to emulate Kanu.


He said, "Kanu's achievements on and off the pitch offered enough lesson to our young ones on how to manage their careers.


"They should be disciplined in everything they do and love what they do. They should also mind the kind of friends they keep and concentrate on their futures.


"These are the areas where Kanu excelled as a footballer and the more reasons why the whole world will continue to celebrate him.


"He experienced a lot of disappointment but he rose to defy the odds by winning trophies and being an important member of every club he played for. This is not common in football, especially in this generation."


Keshi praised Kanu for his decision to retire from the national team even though he has not called it quits with football.


"It's hard to say goodbye to a community that loves you. It's really hard to say goodbye to what you have done successfully for over two decades. But you need to take a bow and leave at a point and that is what Kanu has done."


Keshi, who was the coach of the Friends of Kanu against the Super Eagles All Star team in the testimonial, said he still expected Kanu to take active role in football.


"His new life will surely be a reflection of the successes he had built over the time. Kanu is one of Africa's best in the game and I still expect him to be involved in the process that will lift football in Africa."


Source: The Punch