Yobo To Play In African Xi Against Portsmouth

[Louis]

Super Eagles forward Nwankwo Kanu at the weekend talked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger into accepting to coach an African All Star squad in the charity match being put together by the Kanu Heart Foundation, (KHF).

Sources close to the Portsmouth player revealed last night that Wenger agreed to honour his ex Gunner in the charity match.

Former England manager Brian Robson was on the card to lead the African All Stars tagged Kanu XI but pulled out at the last minute due to family commitment.

Wenger resurrected Kanu's career with a place in the London team after Italian Inter Milan got fed up with the Nigerian jewel.

Meanwhile, some of Africa’s top players plying their trade in the English Premiership will next weekend drop their club allegiances and pull together to take part in the charity match.

The game, being put together for the heart foundation (KHF) the Nigerian international runs, will see an African All-stars taking on Kanu’s Premiership side Portsmouth and will take place at the club’s home ground of Fratton Park a day after the FA Cup final on May 20th.

Some of the stars that have agreed to play for the two-time African footballer of the year are the current wearer of the crown Didier Drogba. Also being expected at Fratton Park are his Chelsea team mates Michael Essien and Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi. Others include Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, who incidentally apart from resembling Papillo physically, has also used ever occasion to say that Kanu is his idol.

Other English-based Eagles stars including Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins, former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha, Everton defender Joseph Yobo and Middlesbrough striker Yakubu could line-up in a 'Friends of Kanu' side. Senegal's Amady Faye (Charlton) and Diomansy Kamara (West Brom) are also expected to take part.After the match, there will also be a fundraising Black Tie Dinner and Gala event at the Port Solent Marriot Hotel where the football stars and guests will be entertained by the TV Comic Gina Yashere. The night will include an auction of football memorabilia and signed items.