Kanu Organises Stars-studded Football Match in London
Toure, Yakubu, Essien, Eboue others dazzle
Kanu Cup- an inaugural Premier League Masters XI against an African Masters side was on Sunday played in north-west London.
Former Nigerian international and Super Eagles captain Nwankwo kanu organised the charity fixture game which was played at Barnet’s Hive stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The charity match, in aid of the Nwankwo Kanu Heart Foundation, involved several former players who starred for former Arsenal Coach Arsene Wenger in the Premier League era.
These included Sol Campbell, Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Lauren, Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, and Wiliam Gallas.
KANU CUP SQUADS
Other Premier League legends in action included Steve McManaman and Louis Saha, while Lomana Lua Lua, Michael Essien and Yakubu turned out for the African team.
The Premier League outfit took the lead inside 90 seconds through former Liverpool defender David Thompson, and never let up from there.
Gallas burst from the back for the second before Lua Lua struck left footed to pull it back to 2-1 at half time – and celebrated with a trademark somersault – before the floodgates opened in the second half.
A total of 10 goals were scored after the break; Saha and Pires both netting twice and Kanu bagging in the cup named after him, while Lua Lua scored a second, with Essien and Yakubu slotting consolations for the Africans.
Kanu set up the foundation after doctors discovered a serious heart defect while he was playing for Inter Milan in 1997. It was corrected with major surgery.
To donate to the Kanu Heart Foundation, text KANU25 followed by the amount you wish to donate, to 70070.