Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu says winning the FIFA U17 World Cup in 1993 served as a launchpad for his trophy-littered career.
The two-time African footballer of the year was thrust into the international limelight after winning the championship with Nigeria.
“The FIFA U-17 World Cup 1993 really spurred my career – within years of winning the title, I won the Olympic gold and from there as I would like to believe, there wasn’t any looking back,” Kanu told FIFA.com.
He said the age grade tournament helps young players to develop their game.
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“This tournament provides youngsters the necessary stage for development and I believe this year’s edition will provide us all with exceptional talent – much like the previous tournaments,” he said.
Kanu is one of the star invitees for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 draw slated for India on Friday, July 7.
The 1996 Olympic football gold winning captain will be joined by Argentine star Esteban Cambiasso whom he played against when Argentina played Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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Defending champions, Nigeria, will not be part of the draw as the Golden Eaglets failed to qualify for the tournament.
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