33·Legends

Nwankwo Kanu vs Taribo West

Nigeria against Nigeria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

NK

Nwankwo Kanu

Nigeria · 1995–2008 · CAM

Almanac rating
90
Rank in Nigeria
#2 of 33
Caps
87 · 12 goals
Clubs
Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth
Honours
Hall of Fame

Trailing Brazil 3-1 in the Atlanta semi-final on 31 July 1996, Kanu equalised in the last minute and then struck the golden goal four minutes into extra time to win it 4-3. He captained Nigeria to Olympic gold days later, won the 1995 Champions League and three Dutch titles with Ajax, two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups with Arsenal, scored Portsmouth's 2008 FA Cup final winner, and was African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999. Career record: 87 caps and 12 goals for Nigeria; club career at Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth; honours include Hall of Fame.

vs
TW

Taribo West

Nigeria · 1996–2000 · CB

Almanac rating
86
Rank in Nigeria
#8 of 33
Clubs
AJ Auxerre, Inter Milan, Derby County

He dyed his braids to match the shirt, green and white at France 98, and he played every minute of Nigeria's six matches at Atlanta 1996. West took that gold, the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1998 despite a red card in the final, the French title and two Coupes de France with Auxerre, the Serbian league with Partizan, and a runner-up medal at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. Career record: club career at AJ Auxerre, Inter Milan, Derby County.

The verdict

The almanac puts Nwankwo Kanu ahead by 4 rating points, 90 against 86.

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