Canada's David names Kanu as childhood inspiration

As Canada aims for their first FIFA World Cup win, Nigerian football's impact is clear in their team. Striker Promise David shared that the legendary Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu was his childhood hero, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

David was born in Canada to Nigerian parents. He played for Nigeria’s U-23 team before deciding to represent Canada. He said Kanu's skills and achievements really inspired him while growing up.

“I always looked up to Nwankwo Kanu growing up,” David told ESPN in the mixed zone after Canada’s first World Cup game. “That was one of the greatest players in Nigerian history.

“My dad talks about him fondly and I’ve watched a lot of highlights of him. Granted, I didn’t watch him live, but he’s a great player and somebody I tried to take a lot of things from here and there.”

Kanu is one of Nigeria's most celebrated footballers. He won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, and Olympic gold with Nigeria in 1996. He also had great spells with Ajax, Arsenal, and Inter Milan, making him one of Africa's top football stars.

Recently, David called on Nigerian fans to support Canada in the World Cup. In their opening match, the Union Saint-Gilloise forward assisted Canada’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.

David was one of many dual-nationality players approached by the Nigeria Football Federation before choosing to play for Canada. He explained his choice in an interview with The Athletic in 2025.

“Canadian football raised me, so I feel like I owe it back to Canada to perform for them,” he said. “Playing for Nigeria was great, but it was just an opportunity. I like what Jesse Marsch has done with the team. You see the rapid increase.

“I think being a part of that history is an opportunity I should not pass up.”

Canada hopes to move beyond the group stage on home ground. David is expected to be key in their campaign after proving himself as one of the country’s most exciting attacking players.

After earning their first-ever World Cup point, they are looking to secure their first World Cup win against Qatar on Thursday. They will face Switzerland in their last group match on June 24.