As co-hosts Canada continue their quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, Nigerian football’s influence remains evident within their squad, with striker, Promise David revealing that legendary Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu was his childhood hero.
Born in Canada to Nigerian parents and once capped by Nigeria’s U-23 team before switching allegiance to Canada, David said Kanu’s achievements and playing style left a lasting impression on him while growing up.
“I always looked up to Nwankwo Kanu growing up,” David told ESPN in the mixed zone after Canada’s opening World Cup game.
“That was one of the greatest players in Nigerian history.
“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 remains one of the most decorated footballers Nigeria has produced, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996.
He also enjoyed successful spells with Ajax, Arsenal and Inter Milan, cementing his status as one of Africa’s greatest football exports.
David recently rallied Nigerian fans to support Canada at the ongoing World Cup. In their opening game, the Union Saint-Gilloise forward provided the assist for Canada’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.
David was one of several dual-nationality players courted by the Nigeria Football Federation before committing his international future to Canada, a decision he explained in an interview with The Athletic in 2025.
“Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them,” he said.
“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.”
Canada are hoping to progress beyond the group stage on home soil, with David expected to play a key role in their campaign after establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising attacking talents.
Having secured their first-ever World Cup point, they will hope to claim their maiden World Cup victory against Qatar on Thursday (today) before facing Switzerland in their final group game on June 24.
Credit: punchng.com
