Kanu reveals how AFCON affected his game time during Arsenal's Premier League Invincible season

Former Super Eagles forward Nwakwo Kanu has revealed how his participation at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations affected his game time during Arsenal's historic Premier League invincible season.

The invitation to represent Nigeria at AFCON came at the wrong time for Kanu who was already struggling to get into Arsene Wenger's side having started just 3 games in that campaign.

With Nigeria advancing to the latter stages of the competition, the former African Player of the Year couldn't return to contending for a place in the historic Gunners side early.

In a recent interview, he granted to Arsenal's official website, the retired forward admitted that representing Nigeria at AFCON affected his game time.

"It was difficult, because in a squad of so many good players, when you lose your place, it's hard to get it back," Kanu said.

"Obviously Arsenal did very well while I was away, so it was hard for me to get into the team again after going away.

"Sometimes it worked the other way – when you go away sometimes, they need you back in the team or need to change things, but this season they didn't need to change anything."

Due to the stiff competition for places, Kanu would only make one appearance in the Premier League upon his return from representing his fatherland, finishing the season with 4 goal contributions in ten games in the English top flight.

That season would also mark the end of his 5-year stay with the North London side and was able to leave the club as a legend having won 2 Premier League titles, 2 Fa Cups and 1 Charity Shield which is now known as the Community Shield.

He made a total of 198 appearances for the English giants, scored 44 goals and registered thirty-two assists.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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