Kanu was also named African Footballer of the Year for that year.However, soon after returning from the Olympics, Kanu underwent a medical examination at Inter, which revealed a serious heart defect; he underwent surgery in November 1996 to replace an aortic valve and did not return to his club until April 1997.. 
Wọ́n dá ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀yọ́ sílẹ̀ ní ọdún 1976-02-03 nígbàtí Western Region jẹ́ pípín sí àwọn Ìpínlẹ̀ mẹ́ta Ìpínlẹ̀ Ògùn, Òǹdó, àti Oyo.See Alsọni—States of Nigerialist of All Nigerian State GovernorReferenceso.. 