FORMER Miss World Agbani Darego has recalled an encounter with ex-Super Eagles player and Arsenal star, Kanu Nwankwo and how she looked forward to a relationship with the footballer.
On 16 November 2001, Agbani, with her slender frame, challenged beauty norms and influenced the Nigerian perception of beauty when she became the first black African to win the prestigious Miss World title at 18. To celebrate the feat, the then-governor of Rivers State (her home state), Peter Odili hosted a feast in her honour. Kanu Nwankwo was in attendance.
Hear her:
Each time I see photos of Kanu Nwankwo, I just blush because of the memories of him in my head.
At the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on the evening of my dinner party hosted by Governor Peter Odili to celebrate me for making my state (Rivers state) and the nation proud by winning the Miss World Beauty Pageant at 22.
I was all happy when a tall, fine man with gap teeth tapped my shoulders saying “Hey Queen”.
I turned to see who tapped me, and he captured my attention with his kind smile and Arabian fragrance.
He told me “I am Nwankwo Kanu, I play football at Arsenal, can I be your King?’
I liked his approach but diverted my attention to the then governor who was calling for me to join him and his wife at the high table.
While I sat down, I was smiling sheepishly looking around to get his attention again so he could finish his mission but he never came back.
At that time, communication was not quite easy as there was no social media for me to reach him through his handles and mobile phones weren’t that handy too.
I later moved on and took it as one of those normal games from footballers.
Eighteen-Eleven Media