Nwankwo Kanu
Footballer & Founder of Kanu Heart Foundation
CITIZEN
Nigeria
Education
Olympic Gold Medal
Atlanta, U.S., 1996
World Cup Gold Medal
Japan, 1993
Languages
Igbo, English
IN SHORT
Nwankwo Kanu worked hard to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s most recognized footballers, but not long after leading the Nigeria team to the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics, he was diagnosed with a heart condition and needed surgery. Thankfully, Kanu made a complete recovery and was back on the field in a matter of months. The life-changing experience led him to start the Kanu Heart Foundation, raising awareness about heart health and helping young Nigerians receive treatment for heart conditions. “Each and every person must find a way to give back in some way, shape, or form to this country.”