Ex-International, Kanu Nwankwo, has narrated how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State, reached out to him over two decades ago.
The striker said this while responding to a flurry of criticism over the visit to Tinubu’s residence on Saturday.
Ahead of a novelty match in commemoration of Tinubu’s 70th birthday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant hosted Kanu and his former team mates at his Bourdillon, Ikoyi residence.
Pictures of the visit triggered backlash on social media as many cast aspersions on the former players.
But in a video posted on his Facebook page, Kanu defended his association with Tinubu, recalling how the politician showed generosity to him 22 years ago.
“A lot of people have been talking; all the same, we all are entitled to our opinions. Of course, we have to talk. I’m not a politician; I’m a footballer and a proud one at that. I’m a legend who knows what is good and what is not.”
“22 years ago when Kanu Heart Foundation was looking for people to support and help us touch lives, we got only three governors and Ahmed Tinubu was among them. He gave the foundation money; he supported us and now it”s his 70th birthday, we have to be there to support him. We have a novelty game to play for him.”
Kanu, who had a heart surgery after leading his team mates to victory at Atlanta ’96 Olympics Games, has a foundation that cares for patients with heart-related ailment.
In the Facebook video, Kanu called on Nigerians to get their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 elections in order to vote the right people into power.
