Canada’s David hails Kanu as childhood hero

As co-hosts Canada continues their pursuit of a first-ever FIFA World Cup title, the influence of Nigerian football remains a notable element within their squad, with striker Promise David revealing that legendary Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu was his childhood hero.

David, born in Canada to Nigerian parents, once represented Nigeria's U-23 team before switching his international allegiance to Canada. He stated that Kanu's achievements and distinctive playing style left a significant impression on him during his formative years. "I always looked up to Nwankwo Kanu growing up," David told ESPN. "That was one of the greatest players in Nigerian history."

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I always looked up to Nwankwo Kanu growing up. That was one of the greatest players in Nigerian history.

David's father often spoke fondly of Kanu, and the young player watched numerous highlights of the former Arsenal star. "Granted, I didn’t watch him live, but he’s a great player and somebody I tried to take a lot of things from here and there," David added.

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My dad talks about him fondly and I’ve watched a lot of highlights of him. Granted, I didn’t watch him live, but he’s a great player and somebody I tried to take a lot of things from here and there.

Kanu is celebrated as one of Nigeria's most decorated footballers, having won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996. His successful spells at clubs like Ajax, Arsenal, and Inter Milan cemented his status as a prominent African football export.

David recently encouraged Nigerian fans to support Canada during the World Cup. In Canada's opening match, he provided the assist for their equalizer against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He explained his decision to play for Canada, stating, "Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them." He views playing for Canada as an opportunity to be part of the team's rapid development under coach Jesse Marsch.

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Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them. Playing for Nigeria was great, but it was just an opportunity. I like what Jesse Marsch has done with the team. You see the rapid increase. I think being a part of that history is an opportunity I should not pass up.