TheCable

Kanu Nwankwo, Nigerian football legend and former Arsenal ace, has lost his mother.

According to Papilonews.com, Susan Kanu Iheme, matriarch of the Nwankwo family, died on Wednesday, September 7 in Owerri, Imo state.

The former Arsenal and Inter Milan forward has a reputation for frequently eulogising his now late mother, who is said to have told him that that one day, he would make her proud with his football talent.

“The loss of Mama is hard to bear. She is a rock that stood by me and all my siblings,” Kanu said.

“She showed us equal love and affection, and always prayed for each and every one of us. Her support and prayers for me right from the beginning of my playing career till the end were invaluable.

“Her guidance also went a very long way into moulding me into the man I am today. She taught me to love, and to give. I will miss her, but God knows best.”

Kanu and two of his brothers played professional football.

Aside Olympic Gold medal-winning legend Kanu, Susan’s eldest son Godwin played for Bendel United and her last son Ogbonna played for Ajax Amsterdam amongst other clubs.

Burial arrangements are yet to be concluded, as the family is still getting to grips with the shock of her demise.