Adebayor: Kanu Is My Idol, God of Football

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed Nigerian football icon Nwankwo Kanu as more than just an idol describing him as "a big brother and best friend" who guided him both on and off the pitch. Adebayor revealed that wearing Kanu’s iconic number 25 shirt at Arsenal and using his locker was "a huge accomplishment". Speaking to the BBC, the Togolese forward admitted:




"My idol was Nwankwo Kanu, so signing for Arsenal… wearing the same locker as him was, for me, a huge accomplishment… Today, he is my big brother and best friend; he advises me if I’m doing right or wrong.".



Adebayor’s admiration dates back to the 1996 Olympic Games, where Kanu's performance inspired him at just 12 or 13 years old. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger even drew parallels between the two strikers, describing Adebayor as "tall, good in the air" and likening him to Kanu a view Adebayor embraced. Klub insiders and fans fondly referred to him as "Baby Kanu" due to their shared physique and attacking flair.




Editorial



We believe Adebayor’s tribute to Kanu resonates deeply because it transcends mere footballing homage it speaks to mentorship, identity, and legacy. In choosing to don Kanu’s number and forge a personal bond, Adebayor bridged cultures and generations, showing the intangible impact of role models.



We feel his story highlights a key truth: greatness is reproduced, not inherited. Kanu’s influence on Adebayor wasn't passive—it was formative. Adebayor channeled that energy, carrying the guidance into his own achievements—and paying it forward through friendship and counsel.



We hold that such connections enrich the narrative of African football.