How EPL Trophy Delivered Nwankwo Kanu to Dreaming Football Fans

Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu was the catalyst for unbelievable scenes across Nairobi, as he personally delivered the iconic Premier League trophy to the doorsteps of unsuspecting Kenyan fans. 

The surprise visit was part of the global Premier League Trophy Tour, a collaboration with Guinness celebrating the league's passionate international following.

One of EPL fans Daniel Nzuki, a resident of Ruaka in Kiambu County, got a surprise when an ordinary day until a knock on his door turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The moment he opened it, he was stunned to find the Nigerian football icon holding the 24-karat silver gilt trophy.

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The shock was palpable, especially given Nzuki's allegiance. Despite being a staunch Manchester City fan, the visit from the Arsenal "Invincible" was a moment that transcended club loyalty.

“I was lost for words,” Nzuki told the Daily Nation, still in disbelief hours later.

“The man I’d only seen on TV for years was now on my doorstep with the real EPL trophy. It doesn’t get better than that.”

He added, “At first, it didn’t feel real. It was like I was dreaming.”

Nzuki was one of four lucky Kenyans to receive the surreal visit. The tour demonstrated the unique power of football to unite supporters, even those from rival clubs.

This was vividly illustrated at the home of Ann Njoroge, a dedicated Manchester United fan from Waiyaki Way. For Ann, everything changed the moment she saw Kanu, and the fierce rivalry between her club and Arsenal was instantly forgotten.

“I have been a Manchester United fan all along,” she shared. 

“However, meeting Kanu, the Arsenal legend, at my doorstep and touching the trophy was more important than club colours. Meeting Kanu and touching the trophy is something I will never forget.”

The excitement was just as high in Kasarani, where Denis Njau, an Arsenal diehard, was left speechless when his childhood hero appeared.

“I never expected this,” Njau added.

“You open your door and see your childhood hero — the guy who scored hat tricks against Chelsea — standing right there with the EPL trophy. I was shocked, and I still am.”

At Robert Kimani’s home in Karen, the situation was no different. Kimani and his friends greeted the legend with ecstatic chants of “Kanu! Kanu!” while the legend posed for selfies.

Kanu, who won two Premier League titles with Arsenal, including during the famous 2003-04 “Invincibles” season, described the tour as a personal mission.

“It means a lot to me to know that I am African,” said Kanu.

“Bringing the cup home means a lot to me and to our people. Everyone wants to see it and touch it. Seeing it in person is different from seeing it on TV. There’s nothing bigger than that.”

The football icon also shared his admiration for the local passion. 

“From what I’ve seen, Kenyan fans are incredible. They love football. They love the Premier League, and of course, they love Arsenal. They’re extra.”

Beyond the fan visits, Kanu, the founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation, used the tour to inspire youth, reminding them that success requires dedication.

 “Seeing me with the trophy might look easy, but starting out is never easy. You have to work extra hard.”

The 2025 African leg of the EPL Trophy Tour, which also includes stops in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, left an indelible mark on Nairobi, proving that "Africa’s passion for the Premier League is unmatched."