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By Peter Akinbo
Former Super Eagles forward, Nwankwo Kanu, has revealed that representing Nigeria at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations affected his game time at Arsenal during the 2003/04 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Arriving at Arsenal midway through the 1998/99 season, Kanu swiftly became a key figure, contributing significantly to the club’s triumphs. As the Invincibles season approached, he boasted an impressive record, having secured three major honours for the Gunners and accumulating more than 150 first-team appearances.
The 2003/04 season marked a memorable yet challenging period for Kanu. He kicked off the campaign with considerable success but found himself facing stiff competition within a squad of exceptional talent and had to come off the bench a number of times.
In January and February of 2004, Kanu represented Nigeria at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia, a tournament that would significantly impact the remainder of his Arsenal season.
The Super Eagles made it to the semi-final at the competition, losing to Tunisia on penalties and eventually claimed the bronze medal.
Upon his return to England, Kanu struggled for game time as Arsenal completed the historic Premier League invincible season.
Kanu had played in nine league matches before representing Nigeria at AFCON, but only played one more match in the EPL for the rest of the season upon his return.
“It was difficult, because in a squad of so many good players, when you lose your place, it’s hard to get it back,” Kanu said on the club’s official website, arsenal.com.
“Obviously Arsenal did very well while I was away, so it was hard for me to get into the team again after going away.
“Sometimes it worked the other way, when you go away sometimes, they need you back in the team or need to change things, but this season they didn’t need to change anything.”
Kanu concluded his Gunners career with 44 goals from 198 appearances in all competitions.