English Premier League
Kanu Nwankwo recounts 2004 Africa Cup of Nations impact on his Arsenal career
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria legend, Nwankwo Kanu has revealed the risks he took to represent Nigeria at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with his Arsenal career at stake.
“Papilo” as he’s popularly known, Kanu etched his name in the club’s history during a period of unprecedented success, notably the iconic Invincibles season.
However, the 2003/04 season marked a memorable yet challenging period for the Nigerian who remained an Arsenal legend and gifted former Super Eagles captain.
Before representing Nigeria at the Afcon 2004 between January and February, Papilo, who had featured nine times before going for the tournament, eventually only played one more match in the Premier League for the rest of the season upon his return as found himself facing stiff competition within a squad of exceptional talent.
In a chat, Kanu opened up about the tournament’s influence on his 2003/04 club season.
“It was difficult because in a squad of so many good players when you lose your place, it’s hard to get it back,” Kanu told the Arsenal media team.
“Obviously, Arsenal did very well while I was away, so it was hard for me to get into the team again after going away.
“I’m very, very proud and so pleased I was part of this team. It’s not easy to keep that record and it’s not easy to have a team full of such good players. The supporters should be proud too, because we got what we wanted together that season.
“Being a part of that, and one of the players in that team, is something that I will be happy about for years and years and years to come.
“I still speak to the other players from that team – Thierry, Robert Pires, Ray Parlour, most of them. I see them when I can as well when I come to watch Arsenal.”
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