By Patrick Rumbu
Kanu Nwankwo, a former Super Eagles player, has cautioned administrators of young footballers in Kano and Nigeria as a whole against age manipulation, popularly called football-age syndrome.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the former Arsenal forward is in Kano to scout for young, budding talents in a bid to help kickstart their dreams of professional careers.
Kanu, the current chairman of Eyimba FC, watched Kano-based academy Azuba FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Wednesday.
According to him, Kano is a state that boasts huge football talents; hence, the state cannot be ignored.
He advised football administrators and enthusiasts in the country to inculcate the habit of nurturing young talents for future gains rather than prioritizing winning games for short-term purposes.
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“In football, everyone wants to win, especially in Nigeria. We always want to win, and when you win with overage players, that is not winning; we don’t feel like winning is important for the younger ones.” He said.
“Of course we are not against winning, but the right structure has to be put in place to guarantee success.
“Even if they lose, we don’t consider that failure; the aim is to equip them with skills that will guarantee long-term success, especially when they go abroad.” He added.
Born in August 1976, Kanu had played with Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan in Italy, and English clubs such as Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth.
He won a number of trophies, including a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup medals, an Olympic Gold Medal, and two African Player of the Year awards, amongst others.
On his part, Chairman Azuba FC, Ahmed Zubair Baba, stated that just like Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast produced talents for clubs abroad, Azuba can play such a role for young footballers in Kano.