Amara Kanu, wife of legendary footballer, Kanu Nwankwo, has penned a special message to her husband as he marks his 46th birthday.
The former professional football player who played forward on the national team marks a new year today in glory.
Taking to Instagram to share vacation photos with her Kanu Nwankwo, Amara penned a befitting note of love to her dearest husband.
“Kicking of August with a SPECIAL BIRTHDAY shout out to my one & only KING KANU ?? You are rare amongst men @kingkanu4 and I’m blessed to have you & share life’s journey with you.
“Amara Kanu celebrates husband, Kanu Nwankwo as he clocks 46. Thank you for sharing your legendary gifts with the world. More Grace. More positive vibes. I love you. ???,” she wrote in a post.
Kanu Nwankwo was a member of the Nigeria national team, and played for Nigerian team Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Dutch side Ajax, Inter Milan of Italy, and English clubs Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth.
He won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup medals and two African Player of the Year awards amongst others.
The legendary footballer is one of the few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.
He made the third-most substitute appearances in Premier League history, appearing from the bench 118 times and is regarded as one of the best players in African football history.
The legendary footballer is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and African brand ambassador for digital TV operator StarTimes.
He is also the owner of Kanu Sports TV, an Internet sports television company.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that Amara got married to Kanu Nwankwo at 18.
According to her, “Marriage is a growth process and I learn on a daily basis. I got married as a teenager. I was young. I think I jumped into the deep end and I simply went with it.
“It takes a lot of determination to keep things going because irrespective of your age, marriage throws a lot of curves at you. The main thing is being able to bounce back after being hit with a surprise or what you do not expect.
“I wasn’t scared. I felt it like it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was in love, so there was no time for a negative feeling like fear to come up. I think the love I had and still have for my husband was all I needed to feel comfortable and good.
“When I was getting married, I was not ready to be thrust into the limelight. I didn’t even know what I was getting into. I wasn’t a football fan and I knew nothing about the Premiership. I didn’t know I was getting married into that level of limelight as I was young, vibrant and in love. I am now a football fan.
However, Amara noted that she would not want her daughter to get married at a young age.
In her words: “Having gone through it myself, I wouldn’t say I would like her to do the same. I would like her to experience life slightly a bit more than I did. But it all depends on the circumstances and the persons involved.
“I had support from my mum, dad and siblings. In hindsight, I can say that they actually did a good job. In June, we would celebrate the 12th anniversary of our wedding.
“I ignored critics and paid no attention to what people said. I overlooked Facebook and I only signed on to the platform in July 2011. That was shortly after I earned a degree in Architecture. I don’t think I would want to do it differently. I think getting married early is my competitive advantage.
“I learnt real life and management skills in marriage. Even though I’m currently studying for an MBA, it can’t beat the real life experiences. I won’t change anything because it all worked for me.”