On Saturday, June 11, some of the most celebrated football players came together in a celebratory match to mark the end of former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu’s international football career spanning 16 years. Over 14, 000 fans defied the rain to see the star-studded game in which the Super Eagles beat a Rest of the World XI 3-1.

From 3pm,  the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, fans surged to get tickets to see a one-of-a-kind match with their idol, Nwankwo Kanu and other football greats in their city. Present to kick off the ceremony was the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, an avid football supporter.

Some of the footballers who came out to support Kanu are: Michael Essien, Kolo Toure, Stephen Appiah, Kalusha Bwalya, John Utaka, Finidi George, Mutiu Adepoju, Obinna Nwaneri, Yakubu Ayegbeni, Elderson Echiejile, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Raphael Chukwu, Daniel Amokachi, Uche Okechukwu and Ogbonnaya Kanu.

Nwankwo Kanu in association with the NFF organised the match to raise funds for the Kanu Heart Foundation to build a hospital in Abuja. The Portsmouth forward, a two-time African Player of the Year, was also retiring from international football after 16 years, and the match would serve as a fitting farewell.

In the match, Kanu played for both sides and scored for the Super Eagles side that included Danny Shittu, Kalu Uche and Yakubu Ayegbeni. His goal was the opening goal of the game, thwarting former South Africa-based goalkeeper, Peterside Idah and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Rising star and national favourite, Ikechukwu Uche scored a second goal for the Super Eagles All Stars bringing the score to 2-0 for his teammates like Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Uche Okechukwu, Waidi Akanni, Uche Okechukwu and Ike Shorunmu.

In the second half, Emmanuel Adebayor was substituted for the Rest of the World  side bringing the score to 2-1. The World XI were dogged in their chase for an equalising goal but yet again, Ikechukwu Uche scored fantastic goal from outside the penalty box, to seal the final scores of an exciting match.

With a faultless display of his velvety football skills which have served him well, an emotional Kanu said after the match: "There's a time to start and a time to finish, it has been a fulfilling ride from day one,"

"I thank all the players who cut short their holidays from different places and the Nigerian fans for their endless love and support throughout my career."

Current African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o, was full of praise for Kanu.

"Kanu is undoubtedly the most recognised, successful and talented footballer I have ever seen on the field," Eto'o said.

"It was not hard to honour him by travelling down because he is an icon of the African game and we must honour him.

"After playing against him, I was honoured and today I came here to show how much we respect and appreciate his achievement, inspiration, motivation and charitable gesture."

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor revealed that Kanu was is only hero when growing up and as a professional.

"I cannot hide the fact that I moulded my career in his image and it is obvious that he still my inspiration and hero as a footballer," he said.

The Kanu and Friends,  managed by Stephen Keshi and Jo Bonfrere included Jean Makoun, Khalilou Fadiga, Anthony Baffoe, Jay-Jay Okocha, Sammy Kuffour, George Boateng, Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Herman Hreidarsson and Obinna Nsofor.

Photo credit: Yahoo sport and Google images