By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos |
Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu hopes to make a positive change in the life of African children.
Kanu, the two-time African Footballer of the Year, was speaking to BBC Sport after his appointment as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund, Unicef.
"I'm delighted to be considered for such an important role.
"I derive fulfilment from touching the lives of children because they are wonderful gifts from God," Kanu told BBC Sport.
"We must all do our part to help protect children from all forms of violence, neglect and abuse.
"When you touch the lives of people positively, it goes a long way in making the world a beautiful place."
After having successful heart surgery in November 1996, the former Inter Milan striker set up the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF), which has assisted several children with needed surgery for their complicated problems.
"There's no amount of success on the football pitch that brings me smiles more than the numbers of lives I've touched.
"I'm ready to give my all to this cause and I am grateful to Unicef for this opportunity to serve mankind," Kanu added.
The former Arsenal forward joins a roll call of footballers, including Liberia's George Weah and Brazil's Ronaldo, that have been appointed to a similar role by Unicef.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
I derive fulfilment from touching the lives of children because they are wonderful gifts from God