Ex-international football stars will converge in Owerri this weekend to honour Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo during the 2025 World Heart Day Solidarity Walk Football Match.
Among the big names expected are 1994 African Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke and 1997 winner Victor Ikpeba.
Also set to feature are former Super Eagles midfielder and Enyimba Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme, and former Nigerian captain Uche Okechukwu, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest defenders.
The memorable match, scheduled for Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, will see Nigerian Legends face Imo Legends.
It will also feature Kanu himself, founder of the Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation, alongside 1996 Olympic gold medallist Mobi Oparaku, Obinna Nwaneri and other ex-internationals from within and outside the country.
Speaking in Owerri on Saturday, the Coordinator of the 2025 Kanu Heart Day, Mr Mo Muhammad, said the event is part of activities to mark the World Heart Day Solidarity Walk.
He explained that this year’s theme is “The Hope For Healthy Walk.” The football match will be followed by a solidarity walk starting at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, Owerri, on Monday, September 29, by 8 a.m.
Muhammad disclosed that the Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation, founded in 2000, has clocked 25 years this year.
He noted that the foundation has been celebrated in cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Aba.
According to him, the foundation has successfully carried out more than 700 heart surgeries for both adults and children since its inception.
He assured that the foundation remains committed to bringing hope to the people of Imo State as part of its anniversary activities.
Muhammad, however, identified a lack of sponsorship and public support as major challenges facing the foundation, urging individuals and organisations to partner with it to sustain its mission.
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