Nwanwko Kanu’s influence drew Nigerian fans to Arsenal – Football expert

Famous Arsenal fan and football expert, Robbie Lyle, has cited ex-Super Eagles striker, Nwankwo Kanu as the reason the FA Cup record Champions have a huge fanbase in Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

Kanu joined Arsenal in 1999 from Inter Milan, spending five years with the Gunners. In five years at Highbury, the former Super Eagles striker won the English Premier League and the FA Cup twice respectively.

Robbi Lyle, a lifelong Arsenal fan, started the AFTV show as an avenue for fans to air their opinions about the club’s state.

The 13-time English Premier League Champions have had Nigerian players pass through their ranks, with Kanu, Tella, Iwobi and Semi Ajayi as prime examples.

Speaking in an interview with Lolade Adewuyi, Robbie revealed that the massive fanbase Arsenal have in Nigeria resulted from Kanu’s time at the club.

“Hugely influential. We love Kanu. He was huge, hugely influential. I went to Nigeria and we hosted a watch party. The numbers were massive and it absolutely blew me away. He’s such a humble guy and I’ve done a lot with his charity as well. Players like him and other African players are influential to that, and I think he’s been instrumental in the number of fans we have in Arsenal,” the AFTV host told Lolade Adewuyi.

Arsenal also have Nigerian heritage with Bukayo Saka at the club. The young English winger was born in London to Nigerian parents.