1. Overview
Nwankwo Kanu is a distinguished Nigerian former professional footballer, widely recognized as one of Africa's greatest players of all time. Born on August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, he predominantly played as a forward throughout his illustrious career. Kanu's professional journey spanned across major European clubs including AFC Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth, in addition to his early career at Iwuanyanwu Nationale in Nigeria. His career is particularly notable for his resilience in overcoming a serious congenital heart defect, which he leveraged into significant humanitarian work through the Kanu Heart Foundation.
Kanu's remarkable list of achievements includes a FIFA U-17 World Cup medal, a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, three Eredivisie titles, and three FA Cup medals. He is one of the few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and an Olympic Gold Medal. As a pivotal member of Arsenal's "Invincibles" squad that completed the 2003-04 Premier League season undefeated, he is revered by the club as one of its greatest players. Beyond his on-field success, Kanu has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, an African brand ambassador for StarTimes, and is the owner of Kanu Sports TV, an internet sports television company. His profound commitment to philanthropy, inspired by his personal health struggles, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
2. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kanu's early life in Nigeria laid the foundation for his professional football career, marked by early talent and significant international exposure that quickly led him to European football. His career was then profoundly impacted by a serious health issue that he bravely overcame.
2.1. Childhood and Youth Career
Born in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Nwankwo Kanu began his football journey at the local side Federation Works before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale. His exceptional talent became apparent during Nigeria's victorious 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship campaign in Japan. Kanu was a key player in this tournament, scoring five goals and ranking as the second joint-scorer, alongside Peter Anosike and Manuel Neira, only behind his compatriot and captain Wilson Oruma. This impressive performance drew the attention of European scouts and facilitated his move to a prominent Dutch club.
2.2. Ajax
Following his success in the U-17 World Championship, Kanu was signed by Dutch giants AFC Ajax in 1993 for an undisclosed fee, marking his entry into European football. He made his debut for Ajax in the same year and quickly established himself, scoring 25 goals in 54 appearances for the club. A highlight of his tenure at Ajax was his appearance as a substitute in their 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final, contributing to their significant European triumph. In the subsequent year, Ajax again reached the Champions League final, where they faced Juventus and lost on penalties. Kanu started and played the entire match in that final, demonstrating his growing importance to the team. During his time at Ajax, he also received the Marco van Basten Award as Ajax Talent of the Year for the 1994-95 season.
2.3. Inter Milan and Health Issues
In 1996, Ajax sold Kanu to Italian Serie A club Inter Milan for approximately 4.70 M USD. The summer of 1996 proved to be monumental for Kanu before his move to Italy. He captained the Nigeria national football team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where he led his team to a historic gold medal. In a memorable semi-final match against football powerhouse Brazil, Kanu scored two late goals, turning a 2-3 deficit into a dramatic 4-3 victory in extra time. His outstanding performance that year earned him the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award.
However, soon after his return from the Olympics, a routine medical examination at Inter Milan revealed a serious congenital heart defect. Doctors initially believed the condition, which impeded his aortic valve from closing properly, would prematurely end his career. Despite the grim prognosis, Kanu underwent successful surgery in November 1996 to replace his aortic valve. He spent a considerable period in recovery, not returning to his club until April 1997. Kanu frequently speaks about his deep Christian faith during this challenging period, attributing his recovery to prayer. This life-altering experience profoundly impacted him, leading him to establish the Kanu Heart Foundation.
3. Club Career
After his time with Inter Milan and his recovery from heart surgery, Nwankwo Kanu embarked on significant spells with several English clubs, where he solidified his reputation as a unique and impactful striker.
3.1. Arsenal
In February 1999, following a limited twelve league appearances and one goal for Inter Milan due to his health issues and recovery, Kanu was signed by Arsenal for approximately 4.15 M GBP. His debut for Arsenal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup was immediately steeped in controversy. With the score at 1-1, Sheffield United's goalkeeper kicked the ball out of play for an injured player to receive treatment. Upon the throw-in, intended to be returned to the opposition goalkeeper, Kanu, unaware of the sporting gesture, pursued the ball and centered it for Marc Overmars to score the winning goal. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, upholding the principles of sportsmanship, controversially offered to replay the match, which Arsenal subsequently won again.
Despite the unusual debut, Kanu quickly found his stride at Arsenal. He scored his first goal for the club in the very next round of the FA Cup against Derby County, coming off the bench to secure the only goal of the game. He swiftly became known as a "super sub" due to his knack for scoring crucial goals as a substitute, notably against Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa. Kanu endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful with his distinctive two-fingered salute, which began in 1999 and was a nod to the club's nickname, "The Gunners." His exceptional performances led to him being named African Footballer of the Year for the second time in 1999. In the 1999-2000 season, he netted 17 goals in 50 matches for Arsenal, highlighted by a remarkable hat-trick in fifteen minutes against Chelsea in October 1999, turning a 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 victory.
Although Arsenal rejected a bid of around 7.00 M GBP from Fulham for him in August 2001, Kanu's appearances for the club gradually became less frequent, particularly with the emergence of Thierry Henry as Arsenal's primary striker. Despite this, he remained a valuable squad member and won the 2003 FA Cup with Arsenal. He was also a part of the legendary "Invincibles" squad that completed the 2003-04 Premier League season undefeated, a monumental achievement in English football history. Over his five years at Arsenal, Kanu played 197 games and scored 44 goals. In the summer of 2004, his contract ended, and he moved to West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer. In 2008, Arsenal fans voted him 13th in the "Gunners' Greatest 50 Players" poll, underscoring his enduring popularity.
Kanu's connection with Arsenal continued beyond his playing tenure. In the summer of 2006, he participated as a guest player in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial game, the inaugural match at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium. The game was tied 1-1 when Kanu scored the winning goal, making him the third player to score at the stadium. At the match's conclusion, he joined his former teammates in honoring Bergkamp with a standing ovation. He remains a beloved figure at Arsenal, consistently receiving applause when he visits the Emirates Stadium. Throughout his time at the club, he proudly wore the number 25 shirt.
3.2. West Bromwich Albion
In 2004, Kanu joined West Bromwich Albion, a club that had just been promoted to the Premier League. He quickly became a regular starter, making his debut in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on August 14, 2004. His first goal for Albion came on September 18, 2004, an 88th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 home draw against Fulham.
During a match against Middlesbrough on November 14, 2004, Kanu notably committed a widely publicized miss in injury time, sending a low cross over the bar from a yard away from the goal line while Albion were 2-1 down. Manager Bryan Robson's visible astonishment and the media dubbing it the "Miss of the Season" highlighted the moment. Despite this, the 2004-05 season was memorable for West Bromwich Albion, as they achieved a historic "Great Escape," becoming the first club to avoid relegation from the Premier League after being bottom of the table at Christmas.
The 2005-06 season saw another significant moment for Kanu when his former club, Arsenal, visited The Hawthorns on October 15, 2005. After Philippe Senderos put Arsenal ahead, Kanu equalized just before halftime. West Brom went on to win the match 2-1, marking their first home victory over Arsenal since 1973 and their first Premier League comeback win. However, such highlights were rare, and the club was relegated at the end of the 2005-06 season. With his contract expired, Kanu chose not to renew it. During his two years at West Bromwich Albion, he made a total of 58 appearances, 16 of which were as a substitute, and scored nine goals.
3.3. Portsmouth
After leaving West Bromwich Albion as a free agent, Kanu signed a one-year deal with Portsmouth just before the start of the 2006-07 season. Portsmouth had experienced a revival under manager Harry Redknapp, avoiding relegation in the previous campaign. At the start of the 2006-07 season, Portsmouth was on an impressive run, remaining undefeated in their first five games without conceding a single goal. Kanu made his debut for Portsmouth as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers on the opening day, August 19, 2006. In that match, he scored twice but also missed a penalty. He concluded the season as Portsmouth's top goal scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, subsequently signing a new one-year deal with the club.
In his second season at Portsmouth, Kanu played a crucial role in their FA Cup triumph. He scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 semi-final victory against his former club West Bromwich Albion and then netted the winning goal in the 2008 FA Cup Final against Cardiff City, securing his third FA Cup winner's medal.
His first goal of the 2008-09 season put Portsmouth 2-0 ahead in their eventual 2-2 UEFA Cup draw with Italian club AC Milan. He later scored the winning goal against Bolton Wanderers, a goal that ensured Portsmouth's safety in the Premier League. This was his only Premier League goal during the 2008-09 campaign. In August 2010, Kanu re-signed with Portsmouth, expressing an interest in becoming a coach after his retirement. He signed a three-year deal and retained the number 27 shirt, but his role became less prominent, making only two goals that season.
During the 2011-12 season, Kanu's playing time further diminished, with most of his appearances coming from the bench. Following the departure of manager Steve Cotterill and the arrival of Michael Appleton, he was often omitted from the squad due to fitness and injury concerns. By May 2012, Portsmouth faced relegation to EFL League One, exacerbated by a point deduction for entering administration. To reduce costs, the club's administrator sought to terminate the contracts of high-earning players, including Kanu. On July 9, 2012, it was announced that Kanu and Aaron Mokoena were expected to leave the club after failing to attend pre-season training. Kanu initially threatened to sue Portsmouth for unpaid wages, claiming approximately 3.00 M GBP was owed to him. However, on July 30, he agreed to leave the club, and in April 2013, he confirmed that he had dropped the case, effectively waiving the outstanding amount, a significant act of goodwill towards the struggling club.
4. International Career
Nwankwo Kanu was a celebrated figure in Nigerian international football, representing his country at various age levels and in numerous major tournaments, achieving remarkable success.
4.1. Youth Level
Kanu's international career began with great promise at the youth level. He was a crucial member of the Nigeria U-17 national football team that achieved overall success at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Japan, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Ghana in the final. Kanu's individual performance was outstanding, as he netted five goals in the tournament, making him the second joint-scorer.
His most significant achievement at the youth level came as captain of the Nigeria U-23 national football team at the Football at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to the gold medal. In a memorable semi-final match against a formidable Brazil, Kanu scored two dramatic late goals, including the winning goal in extra time, to overturn a 2-3 deficit into a stunning 4-3 victory, paving the way for Nigeria's historic Olympic triumph.
4.2. Senior Level
Kanu was a prominent member of the Nigeria national football team from 1994 to 2011, making his debut in a friendly match against Sweden. Throughout his senior international career, he participated in multiple major tournaments, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup, 2002 FIFA World Cup, and 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also featured in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, contributing to Nigeria's third-place finishes in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008, as well as being a runner-up in 2000.
Kanu officially concluded his international career on June 24, 2010, following Nigeria's group stage exit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Super Eagles lost their group matches against Argentina and Greece before securing a 2-2 draw with South Korea. Over his distinguished international career, Kanu earned 86 caps and scored 12 goals for his country. For a period, he was the joint most capped Nigerian player of all time alongside Muda Lawal, until Joseph Yobo surpassed them in 2012. Despite being a striker, Kanu famously wore the number 4 shirt for the national team, a choice inspired by his idol Ruud Gullit, who also wore number 4 in his later club career. This tradition was later continued by players like Emmanuel Adebayor, who admired Kanu. In 2022, his enduring impact on Nigerian football was further cemented when he was voted the best Nigerian football player of all time by the prominent Nigerian football site, BetwithMusa.com. This honor recognizes his significant contributions and lasting influence on generations of players.
5. Style of Play
Nwankwo Kanu possessed a distinctive and elegant style of play that made him a formidable forward despite his physical attributes.
At 6.5 ft (1.97 m) (6 ft 6 in) tall with a slender frame, Kanu defied typical expectations for a player of his stature. He was known for his quickness and elegance when in possession of the ball, demonstrating an excellent touch and nimble footwork. Media commentators frequently lauded his exceptional technical skills, impressive dribbling ability, and close control, as well as his flair and effective use of feints, which made him an unpredictable opponent on the pitch. Kanu was also an intelligent player, characterized by his good vision and movement. He was an adept passer, capable of reading the game and delivering precise final balls, which, combined with his impeccable timing and finishing ability, allowed him to both score and create goals. However, he was occasionally criticized for a perceived lack of significant pace, a "languid" playing style, and an infrequent tendency to miss straightforward goal-scoring opportunities.
Although often deployed as a traditional striker, Kanu's creative abilities enabled him to operate effectively in a more withdrawn attacking role, playing behind or supporting the main striker. He could even function in an advanced playmaking position. While his height provided a strong presence in the air, he was initially more proficient at scoring with his feet than with his head. Nevertheless, he diligently improved his aerial game later in his career. His playing style was also marked by notable determination and a strong ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal, allowing teammates to join the attack. During his time at Arsenal, his capacity to score decisive goals when introduced as a substitute earned him a reputation as a "super sub." Despite his inherent talent, some pundits noted his inconsistency. Furthermore, his congenital heart defect is believed to have negatively impacted his fitness and overall career trajectory, although he managed to significantly improve his stamina through rigorous training following his corrective surgery. Kanu is widely regarded by pundits as one of the greatest African players of all time, with some even considering him the greatest Nigerian player ever.
6. Personal Life
Nwankwo Kanu's personal life is rooted in his Nigerian heritage and marked by a profound journey with a congenital heart defect, which he has publicly discussed and channeled into impactful philanthropic efforts.
Kanu is a native of Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria. He is a member of the Aro sub-group, which is part of the larger Igbo ethnic group. His given name, Nwankwo, holds cultural significance in the Igbo language, meaning "Child born on Nkwo market day." Kanu comes from a family with footballing connections; his younger brother, Christopher Kanu, also became a professional footballer, playing as a defender. He has another younger brother named Ogbonna. Kanu is a devout Christian, a faith he has openly spoken about as a source of strength during challenging times.
A significant aspect of Kanu's personal life has been his lifelong battle with a congenital heart defect. This condition, which prevented his aortic valve from closing properly, was initially discovered during a medical examination in 1996, soon after his Olympic triumph. At the time, doctors feared his career would end, but he underwent successful surgery and made a full recovery, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Kanu continues to undergo annual medical check-ups to monitor his condition. In March 2014, he underwent successful corrective heart surgery once again in the United States, further highlighting his ongoing management of the condition. His personal experience with this heart defect deeply motivated his extensive humanitarian work.
7. Philanthropy
Inspired by his own life-threatening experience with a congenital heart defect, Nwankwo Kanu established the Kanu Heart Foundation in 2000, dedicating himself to a significant humanitarian mission.
The **Kanu Heart Foundation** (KHF) was founded with a primary mission to provide life-saving medical care to African children suffering from undiagnosed heart diseases. The foundation's work involves identifying children in need and funding their heart surgeries, often facilitating procedures outside of Nigeria when local facilities are insufficient. To date, the Kanu Heart Foundation has spent approximately 4.20 M USD, with an average cost of 10.00 K USD per person, on surgeries performed outside Nigeria, directly saving numerous young lives.
Beyond facilitating surgeries, the KHF has expanded its work to address broader societal needs. In 2008, the foundation's scope was broadened to include providing aid for homeless children. Demonstrating a long-term commitment to healthcare infrastructure, the Kanu Heart Foundation has funded the construction of five hospitals across the African continent. These hospitals are crucial in providing ongoing medical care and diagnostic services for children with heart conditions, ensuring that more young lives can be saved and supported within Africa. Kanu's philanthropic efforts highlight his profound dedication to social impact, demonstrating that his legacy extends far beyond the football pitch to deeply impact communities in need.
8. Post-Playing Career
Following his retirement from professional football, Nwankwo Kanu has remained actively involved in various capacities, serving as an ambassador, entrepreneur, and football administrator.
Kanu has taken on significant ambassadorial roles, extending his influence beyond the sport. He is a recognized UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using his platform to advocate for children's rights and welfare globally. Additionally, he serves as an African brand ambassador for StarTimes, a digital television operator, helping to promote access to media and entertainment across the continent.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Kanu is the owner of Kanu Sports TV, an internet sports television company, showcasing his venture into media and digital content. In a return to football administration, Kanu was appointed as the chairman of Nigerian club Enyimba F.C. on July 12, 2023. This role allows him to contribute directly to the development and management of football within his home country. These post-playing endeavors reflect Kanu's diverse interests and continued commitment to both sports and social causes.
9. Achievements and Honors
Nwankwo Kanu's career was marked by numerous significant achievements and honors at both club and international levels, as well as individual accolades.
Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- Nigerian Premier League: 1992-93
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96
- UEFA Champions League: 1994-95; Runner-up: 1995-96
- UEFA Super Cup: 1995
- Intercontinental Cup: 1995
Inter Milan
- UEFA Cup: 1997-98
Arsenal
- Premier League: 2001-02, 2003-04
- FA Cup: 2001-02, 2002-03; Runner-up: 2000-01
- FA Charity Shield: 1999
- UEFA Cup Runner-up: 1999-2000
Portsmouth
- FA Cup: 2007-08
- FA Cup Runner-up: 2009-10
Nigeria U17
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: 1993
Nigeria U23
- Summer Olympics: 1996 Gold Medal
Nigeria
- Afro-Asian Cup of Nations: 1995
- African Cup of Nations Runner-up: 2000
- African Cup of Nations Bronze: 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008
Individual
- Ajax Talent of the Year (Marco van Basten Award): 1994-95
- African Footballer of the Year: 1996, 1999
- BBC African Footballer of the Year: 1997, 1999
- FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 2008
- IFFHS Legends
- IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team: 2021
10. Legacy and Reception
Nwankwo Kanu's legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the football pitch, encompassing his profound impact on the sport, particularly in Africa, and his significant humanitarian contributions.
Kanu is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. His distinctive style of play, characterized by elegance, technical skill, and an unpredictable flair, captivated audiences globally. His contributions to the sport, particularly in raising the profile of Nigerian and African football on the international stage, are immense. He captained Nigeria to an historic Olympic gold medal in 1996, a moment that significantly elevated African football's standing. In 2022, his status as a national icon was reaffirmed when he was voted the best Nigerian football player of all time by BetwithMusa.com, highlighting his enduring influence.
Beyond his playing career, Kanu's most impactful legacy is arguably his humanitarian work. His personal experience of overcoming a life-threatening congenital heart defect spurred him to establish the Kanu Heart Foundation. This foundation has been instrumental in providing critical heart surgeries for hundreds of African children who would otherwise not have access to such life-saving medical care. By building hospitals and funding operations, Kanu has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing a significant health challenge in his home continent. His dedication to this cause, which expanded to include supporting homeless children, has saved countless lives and provided hope to vulnerable communities.
Kanu's enduring popularity and reception among fans, particularly at Arsenal, where he remains a beloved figure and is frequently applauded, further underscore his positive impact. His career story, marked by resilience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, positions him as a remarkable figure in football history and a powerful advocate for social good.
11. Career Statistics
Nwankwo Kanu's career statistics provide a comprehensive overview of his appearances and goals for various clubs and the Nigeria national team throughout his professional career.
11.1. Club
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||||||
| Iwuanyanwu Nationale | 1992-93 | Nigerian Premier League | 25 | 15 | - | 25 | 15 | |||||||||||||
| Ajax | 1993-94 | Eredivisie | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 1994-95 | Eredivisie | 18 | 10 | 1 | 1 | - | 7 | 1 | - | 26 | 12 | |||||||||
| 1995-96 | Eredivisie | 30 | 13 | 0 | 0 | - | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 42 | 13 | ||||||||
| Total | 54 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 74 | 27 | ||||||||
| Inter Milan | 1996-97 | Serie A | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1997-98 | Serie A | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | 5 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |||||||||
| 1998-99 | Serie A | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1 | ||||||||
| Arsenal | 1998-99 | Premier League | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 17 | 7 | |||||||
| 1999-2000 | Premier League | 31 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 50 | 17 | |||||||
| 2000-01 | Premier League | 27 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | - | 42 | 5 | ||||||||
| 2001-02 | Premier League | 23 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 0 | - | 39 | 6 | ||||||||
| 2002-03 | Premier League | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | - | 26 | 6 | ||||||||
| 2003-04 | Premier League | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 0 | - | 24 | 3 | ||||||||
| Total | 119 | 30 | 17 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 53 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 198 | 44 | ||||||||
| West Bromwich Albion | 2004-05 | Premier League | 28 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 30 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2005-06 | Premier League | 25 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 28 | 6 | |||||||||
| Total | 53 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 9 | ||||||||
| Portsmouth | 2006-07 | Premier League | 36 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 38 | 12 | ||||||||
| 2007-08 | Premier League | 25 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 31 | 7 | |||||||||
| 2008-09 | Premier League | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | - | 25 | 2 | ||||||||
| 2009-10 | Premier League | 23 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | - | - | 28 | 4 | |||||||||
| 2010-11 | Championship | 32 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 34 | 2 | |||||||||
| 2011-12 | Championship | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 11 | 1 | |||||||||
| Total | 143 | 20 | 11 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 167 | 28 | ||||||||
| Career total | 406 | 98 | 35 | 9 | 18 | 8 | 79 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 542 | 124 | ||||||||
11.2. International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1994 | 3 | 0 |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2004 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 86 | 12 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 21, 1995 | Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, Tashkent | Uzbekistan | 3-1 | 3-2 | 1995 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations |
| 2 | June 5, 1998 | Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam | Netherlands | 1-3 | 1-5 | Friendly |
| 3 | April 22, 2000 | Lagos National Stadium, Lagos | Eritrea | 4-0 | 4-0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| 4 | January 27, 2001 | Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt | Sudan | 3-0 | 3-0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| 5 | May 5, 2001 | Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt | Liberia | 1-0 | 2-0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| 6 | May 25, 2003 | Independence Park, Kingston | Jamaica | 2-2 | 2-3 | Friendly |
| 7 | June 7, 2003 | Abuja Stadium, Abuja | Malawi | 3-1 | 4-1 | 2004 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier |
| 8 | 4-1 | |||||
| 9 | March 26, 2005 | Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt | Gabon | 2-0 | 2-0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| 10 | October 8, 2005 | Abuja Stadium, Abuja | Zimbabwe | 4-1 | 5-1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| 11 | March 24, 2007 | MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta | Uganda | 1-0 | 1-0 | 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier |
| 12 | June 17, 2007 | Stade Général Seyni Kountché, Niamey | Niger | 1-0 | 3-1 | 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier |