Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu has added an emotional angle to his appeal for a peaceful resolution of the prolonged litigation that has left his hotel, Hardly Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos sealed, as he says it is one of the major sources of financial support for his charity.
Footballive.ng reports that ‘Papilo’ was close to tears, as he lamented how the hotel has been shut by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since 2015, over allegations of debts, but the ex-soccer star says is it is a legal investment that finances his human angle project, Kanu Heart Foundation.
Kanu went on to appeal to the federal government to intervene in the matter, as he believes his position as a former footballer who brought glory to Nigeria and still remains an ambassador of the game should be respected, especially as he opted to return home with some investment.
He opined that ex-players should be respected and supported once they return home after their playing days, especially when they put something back into the country’s economic and social structures.
Kanu retorted: “People are saying we should have something for the future after we stop playing football.
“They say we should bring something back to the country as investment after we retire, so that we will not become useless in future.
“That’s what I have done, but see what it has brought for. I gave my best for this country and I am still an ambassador, but I am not being encouraged with what is happening to my investment.
“This is a property that helps me in supporting my heart foundation financially, so that we will not have to disturb people all the time.
“We are talking about charity, and this is one of the main sources of financial support we rely on for the foundation.
“I am surprised that some people have even started taking over the place; but the case is still in court and we are expected to continue on January 31.
“At the same time, many of the things I won while playing were in there, but we cannot find them anymore.
“I want the government to help me get them back, my Olympics meal and the Olympic Torch, they are all gone.
“I was hearing the story before now, so I said let me come and see for myself, and what I have seen does not make me happy. In fact, I am sad.”
