Lion Heart – The Kanu Story: Nigerian Football Legend Kanu Nwankwo set to tell all in new book and movie
Posted on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at 8:57 PMBy BellaNaija.com
Africa’s most decorated football player, Kanu Nwankwo has joined the ranks of global figures whose compelling stories have been immortalized on the silver screen. Kanu takes it a notch further as his feature is to be released simultaneously with his biography, after the World Cup in South Africa. Kanu considers this movie and book to be his heartfelt gift to Nigeria on her fiftieth anniversary, to Africa and indeed the world.
Lion Heart: The Kanu Story, the movie is a documentary feature directed by BBC London-trained Nigerian director Bayo Awolaja, and produced by Neil Oyenekan. The Executive Producers include Kanu Nwankwo, Lighthouse, IBST Media, Worldwide Management Ltd. and Connect Marketing. The movie is currently being filmed in Nigeria, London, Amsterdam, the USA, South Africa and India, and has a plot that chronicles Kanu’s inspiring rags to riches story from a unique perspective that delves into his journey into the world of soccer from his humble beginnings in Owerri, to his struggle with a near fatal heart condition at the peak of his football career, to his heart surgery in Cleveland, Ohio, and back to his tribulations and triumph at Arsenal, Ajax, Portsmouth etc. In addition to his exploits on the football pitch, the movie also unveils one of the most recognizable UNICEF ambassadors as a mentor, business man, husband, and friend.
According to the Lighthouse Productions CCO, “ this film isn’t just about Kanu the footballer, we intend to reveal the Kanu story through interviews with all the world renowned players , coaches, administrators, including his wife, his childhood friends, his doctors and those people that played very important roles in his life – it’s going to be a three dimensional documentation of Kanu’s story according to Kanu, his fans, and his critics too – it’s definitely going to be compelling and well –balanced, because we intend to highlight the challenges he’s encountered and how he overcame them, in order to inspire many young Africans with his exceptional story of hope, determination and success”
Explaining the plot a step further, the film director, added that “it’s not just about Kanu and his story, but Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is a film with a strong message that will greatly touch audiences across the globe, because despite the fact that his role as a great sportsman is emphasized, yet the salient themes in the movie revolve around determination, overcoming tribulations, triumphing over life-threatening obstacles and circumstances in life to soar to heights of iconic greatness”
Kanu expressed his excitement when he spoke about the project, saying, “I’m a very private person, but it has been a very interesting experience to watch my colleagues, team mates, coaches, doctors, fans, friends and family telling my story in a very passionate manner – this movie humbles me – I can see the aspects of my life that the world identifies with, and it’s not easy to open up your life to the world, but then it is very noble to do so in order to inspire those who wish to do the things you have done – at least so that they can see how you did it”
But why do we have to wait until after the World Cup to see this movie? And to this Kanu replied, “the producers have been working tirelessly for a very long time now, but I believe this World Cup should be part of the film, whether I play or not, I definitely want the experience to be part of the film…”
Lion Heart: The Kanu Story is scheduled for a global premiere in September 2010.
Source: James Amuta PR
Tags: Kanu Nwankwo
Wow this is indeed laudable, Kanu is an admirable person and an inspiration to a lot of people. I still remember the time he was diagnosed with a heart problem and the whole world prayed for him to recover, and how happy I was when his operation was successful. I’ve never met him before but I think he’s one of the people I think its worth meeting, because of his humility, its just in his face merely looking at him, unlike some other successful people went from rags to riches, who you can smell arrogance all over them from a mile away. I wish Kanu well always and I cant wait to see the documentary, my tissue box will be by my side when watching because I know it would be touching and inspiring which I know will definitely bring me to tears, as movies like that always do. Viva Kanu!
Aww… bless him.
sounds interesting.. i would to see it
Kanu Nwankwo: be determined!
Hope we wont get to hear that ‘igbotic’ grammer of urs again.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of urs and like it when u fall and get us a penal.
Good job peak boy.
Your comments are inappropriate.
you are indeed a true legend
This guy is one of the best inspirational icons coming out from Nigeria to the world. I wish him the best because he has inspired me a lot not as a footballer but on how not to allow your heart fail in the presence of obstacles. Bravo! Kanu
Kanu is a quantum inspiration and his humility exemplifies this rare leadership aura. I like him so much and I hope this film and book inspire others to follow his footsteps. Kanu all the best!
its HIS voice, hate it if u like.
At least, he doesn’t try to fake a foreign accent.
i love how he seems down to earth, cant wait for the movie
PAPILO !
you are too much.
I am glad to be a Nigerian, Great things start from small beginning.and Kanu has proven it.
Carry go Kanu
we support you
God bless Kanu, Im inspired by him in various ways, wish him good luck in the next World cup.
To those who have a problem with Kanu’s accent.
Learn to praise your own. I have lived in the states for 14 years, and i am very proud of my accent, this is who I am. So whether Ibo, french, korean or chinese accent. Just enjoy the beauty in it.
PAPILO !
you are simply great.
I am glad to be a Nigerian, Great things start from small beginning.and Kanu has proven it.
God bless you Kanu, I’m inspired by you in various ways, wish you good luck in the next World cup and a brilliant success beyond..
we support you
God bless Kanu
He is an inspiration to young Africans
God bless him Amen
hummmmmmmmmmm great ‘KANU”
excellent
life will not give you what you deserve, but life will give you what you demand of it! kanu demanded from life that’s why he is the most decorated football player in africa.
u try kanu, good jjob
how can i get the book and the video.please can someone tell me!!!