Former Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, John Utaka has revealed that the duo of Kanu Nwankwo and Austin Okocha served as his sources of inspiration and role model when he was playing for Nigeria.
The former Portsmouth goal merchant, who had 49 caps for Nigeria national team, said he watched on television the role Kanu played during Nigeria feat that led to the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta and since that time he had hold the lanky striker in high esteem.
“Kanu competed in the Olympic games. He inspired me a lot because he was not a fast player but he is very smart and very technical in games.
“When I got my first call-up to Nigeria in 2000, he was there with Okocha and for me it was… I was watching them on TV and there I was playing with them. It was a dream fulfilled.
“They encouraged me by telling me not to be afraid to express myself as I knew how to do and especially to listen to the coaches. It was good advice,” Utaka said.
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