Football Legend Nwankwo Kanu Set To Run For President in 2019

Inspired by George Weah’s feat, the two-time African Player of the Year will contest and has vowed to improve his country’s standard of living

Former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu has announced he will run for president of Nigeria in 2019.

Kanu, who once played for Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal during his active days, said he had the dream to transform the most populous black nation.

The 1995 Champions League winner has not hidden his love for politics after ending his professional career at Portsmouth in 2012.

“My presence here today is about the future of our country and the happiness of our people,” the 41-year-old said.

“The last 18 years of leadership has witnessed a decline in all critical sectors of life in Nigeria, plus general insecurity in the land.

“Also, I’ll do all it takes to wrestle corruption which has become blatant and widespread. The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption.

“If I get your mandate, I promise to do things differently and restore honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best.

"George Weah's victory in Liberia is a pointer that this dream is very realistic with you all on my side."

Kanu will be hoping to become Nigeria’s fifth president in the fourth Nigerian Republic by unseating incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari.