Nwankwo Kanu will return to Arsenal colours on Friday as the former Super Eagles striker captains a star-studded Gunners legends side against Victor Wanyama’s Harambee Stars greats in an exhibition match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, Footynaija.com reports.
The 49-year-old Nigerian will lead a 24-man Arsenal contingent featuring some of the club’s most recognisable former players, including French defender Bacary Sagna, Ivorian forward Gervinho, Cameroonian midfielder Alex Song and French striker Yaya Sanogo.
The encounter, called the Legends Cup, will kick off at 7 pm on Friday, November 13, bringing together former Arsenal players and Kenyan football greats for an evening celebrating their contributions to the game.
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Kanu’s appearance will bring back memories of his time in north London, where he played under Arsène Wenger between 1999 and 2004.
The Nigerian joined Arsenal from Inter Milan in February 1999 and became part of the team that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2002. He also helped the Gunners win another FA Cup in 2003 before leaving for West Bromwich Albion in 2004.
Kanu to lead Arsenal legends against Wanyama’s Kenya side
The former Super Eagles captain will face a Kenyan side led by Wanyama, who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in the Premier League.
Wanyama will be joined by former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, Kenya’s former striker Dennis Oliech, Francis Kahata, Francis Onyiso, Jamal Mohammed and other Harambee Stars greats, including John Bobby Ogola, JJ Masiga and Mahmoud Abbas.
The match will also feature several other former Arsenal stars, with Tony Adams, Robert Pirès, Ashley Cole, Gilberto Silva, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott among the names confirmed for the visiting team.
According to Kenyan publication The Star, cited by Nation.Africa, the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport, giving supporters outside Nairobi an opportunity to watch the former players reunite.
Beyond Friday’s exhibition, the visiting Arsenal legends will also meet young footballers during a coaching clinic at Crawford International School on Saturday, November 14.
The programme will give aspiring players an opportunity to learn from the former professionals, with organisers hoping to use the visit to encourage grassroots football development in Kenya.
