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Nigeria football legend Nwankwo Kanu robbed at Moscow airport


Kenyan football enthusiasts heading to Russia to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup may have to watch over their luggage.

Former Nigerian international Nwankwo Kanu had $11,000 (about Sh1.1 million) in cash stolen from his suitcase on arrival in Moscow.

Russian police say the cash was taken by two loaders at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.

According to British newspaper Daily Mail, the 41 year old ex-Arsenal and Inter Milan player reported the money missing when he reached Kaliningrad, where he was scheduled to play in a World Cup curtain raiser game organised by FIFA.

Lt-Col Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry said the loaders were dealing with the baggage from a London to Moscow flight.

Kanu, travelling on a British passport, had appealed for help from police.

“The stolen cash was removed (from the loaders) and will soon be returned to the owner,” Ms Volk said.

The loaders, aged 30 and 36, face criminal investigation and could be sent to jail for up to six years.

Remembered for his silky skills and brilliant goals for both club and country and especially winning the 1996 Olympics with Nigeria, Kanu played alongside ex-Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown in a FIFA legends team against a Russian legends side.