The former Arsenal striker according to reports was almost in tears upon the discovery that his hard-earned medals are no longer in his possession.
Kanu is engulfed in a court dispute with Assets Management Company (AMCON) over his Hardley Apartment.
According to a report by the Guardian, Kanu and his rivals have taken the case to the Federal High Court Ikoyi, Lagos since 2015.
The former Super Eagles forward stated that the issues between him and AMCON is not yet resolved by the court but they decided to go ahead with rehabilitation work on the building which he claims has now cost him his life’s work which includes some of the medals and trophies he won as a professional footballer in his active days.
He said, “it is quit unfortunate that a legendary star, who gave his best to the country would be treated like this.
“This hotel serves many purposes. I have been using the money I get here to fund my heart foundation and also create jobs for people. Over 500 children are on the line for surgery and 200 are on the waiting list.
“Since the hotel has not been functioning, I find it difficult to get funds to assist these children. I have to go the extra mile to beg for funds. This is not fair. The government always tells former footballers not to invest overseas after retirement.”
Kanu then had some harsh words for the government citing when in his active days, he was advised to come back to invest in Nigeria but with the way he is treated young footballers may be discouraged from doing so.
He said, “They tell us to come back home and invest. I came back to invest and see what I am facing.“Is this a good experience for other upcoming footballers? Everybody knows I made my money from football. I deserve to be treated well in my country.
“I am Kanu Nwankwo not a foreigner. Right now I need my medals because they are what I will show my children that I served the country with all my heart when they grow up.”
“They broke into my hotel without permission from the court. This is injustice to me for a country I gave my best.”
He appealed to the appropriate regulatory bodies to intervene in the issue as the case has been adjourned till Thursday, January 31.
