CAF Honours Kanu Nwankwo, as Trophy Bearer at 2025 Africa Champions League Final

Africa living football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, was duly recognized celebrated and honoured for his unequalled football feats by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as he was crowned the prestigious official trophy bearer at the 2025 CAF African Champions League final, held in Cairo, Egypt.

It was indeed a very memorable and historic night at the Cairo International Stadium, where Pyramids FC of Egypt beat South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns FC 3-4 aggregate to lift their maiden CAF Champions League title after a 2–1 second leg victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

But beyond the thrilling football encounter, the magnificent presence of of the chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba, Nigeria, was a big boost to the competition Worldwide. Kanu, the former Super Eagles captain also had uncanny spotlights at the epic encounter. His exciting and inspiring presence, presence which shone like a million stars brought dignity, value, pride prestige and pomp to the competition within and outside Africa, and to Africans all over the world.

The Olympic World football Champion and a two-time African Footballer of the Year Award Winner, UEFA Champions League winner with Ajax, and Premier League winner and English FA Cup winner with Arsena and Postmouth FC, colourfully burst out from the tunnel with the newly designed CAF Champions League trophy at the end of the match. It was a wow and electrified moment in the stadium as the huge football with fans across Africa shared the historical event with grace.

“This is not just about me,. “It’s about showing every young African that greatness is possible on the pitch and beyond it. From the streets of Owerri to Olympic gold, and now leading Enyimba, the dream is always alive”, he assured.

For Enyimba FC, the sight of their chairman at the centre of Africa’s biggest club football stage underscored the club’s renewed ambitions under Kanu’s leadership. His stewardship has focused on youth development, community engagement, and restoring Enyimba’s continental lost glory.

CAF’s decision to bestow the rare honour on King Kanu, signifies his esteemed unstoppable celebrity status as one of Africa’s ultimate global football ambassador with refreshing glory from the past to nurture better future for African football and footballers with the present generation to rule the World..

As Pyramids FC emerge as African Kings of football with the new trophy, from the golden Kanu Nwankwo’s blessings, it fundamentally empowers a handing over of the powerful winning torch from the legend who had conquered Africa and Europe to a new generation of African Champions to continue and eventually conquer the World.

It would be recalled that Kanu Nwankwo, popularly known as King Papilo, during his hey day in football in Africa and Europe won the following evergreen distinguished accolades and trophies:1. 1993 FIFA U17 winner.2. 1995 Champions League winner.3. Twice African Footballer of the Year 1996 & 1999.4. UEFA Cup Winner.5. 1996 Champions League finalists.6. Dutch League & Cup winner.7. EPL, FA Cup & League Cup winner among many others.

In addition, legendary Kanu, was the first African POTY playing in England. In 1999, he was the first to win the award while playing in the Premier League with Arsenal. Kanu won the Nigerian football league at 16. He later went to Ajax to win the European Champions league at 18. In Inter Milan at 21, he won the UEFA cup. He joined Arsenal at 23 and the rest is history. Kanu till date is one of the greatest African players, with World Best Footballer Awards nomination.

By ISAAC DANIEL