Celebrating Ndi-Igbo

One to watch Highly rated Chuks Aneke is another product of the famous Hale End youth system, as well as being one of the youngest players to represent England at Youth level. A central midfielder by trade, Aneke can also play wide on the right or in a traditional “number 10" play making role, using his impressive passing range to create attacks or his vision to arrive in the box and get on the end of them. His giant powerful physique has led to comparisions with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieria, his low centre of gravity allows him to turn and roll defenders with ease. Touted as one of the most exciting players coming through the Academy, 2008, Chuks was one of two players named by Arsène Wenger as ‘technically perfect’, and in July 2009 he signed scholarship forms.

Nwankwo Kanu aka Papilo, is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Nigerian national team and for English club Portsmouth. He is the most decorated African footballer in history of the game, having won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three F.A. Cup Winners Medals and two African Player of the Year awards. He is the only current Premiership player to have won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Premiership, FA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. Kanu is also a UNICEF ambassador. He has played for Federation Works, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Ajax, Inter, Arsenal, West Brom and Portsmouth. Kanu has been a member of the Nigerian national team since 1994, making his debut against Sweden in a friendly. He is the current captain of the team.