The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) have named Nwankwo Kanu in the top 48 legend of football worldwide. IFFHS released the first phase of the list which includes Brazilian greats Pele and Ronaldo da Lima. Notable Africans on the list include former World player of the year George Oppong Weah, Roger Milla, Rabah Medjer, Muhammed Aboutrika, Mohmud El-Khatub and former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe.
Kanu was the last Nigerian to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 1999.