Don’t give way to distractions Kanu warns aspiring footballers
Enyimba Chairman and former Super Eagles Captain Nwankwo Kanu has charged up and coming players in the country to stay away from vices if they are to realise their dreams of becoming greats and legends of the game.
The 1996 Olympic gold medalist made the call while interacting with a crop of young players participating at the Tico Select Preseason Tournament at the Uyo Township Stadium.
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The former Arsenal legend who only recently stepped in as Chairman of Peoples Elephant maintained that no athletes rises to the pinnacle of his or her career without hardwork and deliberate effort to stay away from unnecessary distractions.
“You don’t need any negative influence around you if you want to succeed in football. So, if you have a lazy friend, let him go. If you have a bad friend, let him go. Focus on what you want to achieve,” Kanu told the enthusiastic youngsters.
“Sleep, dream, wake up, ‘eat football’. Make your feet and the ball your treasure. Avoid negative energy and be humble. Do not indulge in unnecessary lifestyle that breeds distraction,” he advised.
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Kanu assured the budding young players that with hard work their dreams will come true as he and other great footballers who were once like them have experienced.
Kanu will be hoping to lead Enyimba to Nigeria Premier league title after the Aba side failed to progress in the CAF Champions League.
The two time Champions league winners were eliminated after a goalless draw at the Aba Township stadium against Ahly Benghazi of Libya.
The Nigerian flag bearers had lost the first leg 4-3 with intent to do better in the second leg but the visitors held their ground to progress on 4-3 aggregate.