Former Super Eagles international, Kanu Nwankwo has revealed that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed gave him money to start the Kanu Heart Foundation in 2002.
Papilo as he is fondly called made this known when he visited Tinubu on Saturday in Lagos to congratulate him on his 70th birthday which comes up on March 29.
Kanu was there with other ex-players which included former Eagles’ goalkeepers, Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu and Dosu Joseph, Austin JJ Okocha defenders Taribo West and Uche Okechukwu, Obafemi Martins, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba and Mutiu Adepoju.
“We were looking for money to start Kanu Heart Foundation, we knocked everywhere, nobody answered us, … we told him (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu) our problem, he answered us … he gave us 5million, that 5 million is what started Kanu Heart Foundation.
“Without that money, there wouldn’t have been Kanu Foundation to perform the heart surgeries that have saved many lives,” he said.
The players further commended All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asíwájú Bola Tinubu, for his contributions to democracy and good governance as well as sports development in the country.
Lauding Tinubu, particularly for his achievements in Lagos, Okocha said the former Lagos governor is the reason why he usually calls Lagos home.
Pastor Taribo West prayed that Nigeria be blessed with more kind-hearted people like Asiwaju while wishing him well in the presidential race.
Mentioning their names one by one with their nicknames while playing for the country, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked them for their exploits on the field of play, for putting smiles on the faces of many and for helping to put Nigeria’s name on the global map.
He said the former players gave Nigerians a sense of immense pride and a source of inspiration, particularly the young ones.
Tinubu said together the former players reflected the spirit of an unbreakable team.
He used the opportunity to seek the support of the players for his presidential ambition, saying he has a vision and the competence and ability to implement that vision.
Among the ex-Super Eagles that visited him were Julius Aghahowa, Victor Agali, Garba Lawal and Duke Udi.
