Former Arsenal and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has publicly declared his admiration for Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, Soccernet.ng reports.
Per reports circulating in the Nigerian media space, the former Manchester City forward has responded to being called his idol and god of football in a passionate message on social media.
The ex-Togo captain, in a post that seemingly sparked a comparison between the two former Premier League forwards, was quick to shut down any such discussion.
“I beg you people, Kanu [Nwankwo] is my idol and my god of football. So please, no comparison needed here. Thank you for understanding,” Adebayor commented as cited by Brila.
Former Togolese International Footballer, Emmanuel Adebayor responding to Brila Media on the debate of the possibility surpassing Kanu Nwankwo’s Achievement in his playing days.✨
Respect pic.twitter.com/7JVcAROdZi
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) June 24, 2025
The remark has since gone viral and has drawn praise from Nigerian football fans across the country, who lauded Adebayor for his humility and respect for the Nigerian football legend.
Nwankwo, a former Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal forward, remains one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, having won the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and Olympic gold, among other accolades.
Adebayor himself enjoyed a successful career in Europe, playing for clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite their different nationalities, Adebayo was eligible to play for Nigeria, which might have in one way or another, impacted his footballing career.
Adebayor’s Arsenal Days
Adebayor joined Arsenal from AS Monaco in January 2006 and quickly became a key figure in Arsène Wenger’s squad.
Per talkSPORT, the Togolese striker enjoyed his best season in 2007/08, scoring 30 goals in all competitions, including 24 in the Premier League.
He spent three and a half seasons at the club, netting 62 goals in 142 appearances before making a controversial move to Manchester City in 2009.