Football legend Nwankwo Kanu and the entire Kanu family have been thrown into mourning after they lost their matriarch to the cold hands of death last Thursday, September 8, 2016.

An emotional Kanu alias King Kanu and Papilo confirmed the sad news to papilonews.com and eulogised his mother, whom he described as a great pillar of strength to the entire family.

He said: “The loss of Mama is hard to bear. She is a rock that stood by me and all my siblings. She showed us equal love and affection, and always prayed for each and every one of us.

“Her support and prayers for me right from the beginning of my playing career till the end were invaluable. Her guidance also went a very long way into moulding me into the man I am today. She taught me to love, and to give. I will miss her, but God knows best.”

Papilonews.com noted that Mama Kanu had the rare privilege of raising three sons who played professional football. “Aside Olympic Gold medal winning legend Nwankwo, her eldest son Godwin played for Bendel United and her last son Ogbonna played for Ajax Amsterdam amongst other clubs,” the report said.

It added that burial arrangements are yet to be concluded as the family is still getting to grips with the shock of Mama’s demise.

•Photo shows bereaved football legend Nwankwo Kanu.

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