Speaking in a video interview that was released by the Nigerian Football Federation's media team, David Dein praised Kanu Nwankwo for the impact he had on Arsenal during his time there.
"I remember Kanu Nwankwo, who was such a fantastic footballer and an extra-ordinary player," Dein who was responsible for signing the Nigerian to the club revealed.
"When he came to Arsenal, he brought with him a lot of Nigerian fans with him. Lot of Nigerians became Arsenal fans because of Kanu and he did a great job. He was loved by all the English fans as well and around the world because of his skills and he is such a nice guy," Dein said.
David Dein also assured that in years to come, more Nigerian talents will be playing for the English gaints.
"So the president of the NFF, has to do a lot of work, so as to find talents and bring them to Arsenal Football Club," Dein said.
David Dein who was also a one time Vice-Chairman of the English Football Association also praised the new President of the Nigeria Football Association Amaju Pinnick and also expressed confidence that the Delta-State born administrator will deliver.
"First thing that we know is that he loves football and that is important. For you to succeed at anything you've got to really love it and he loves football and thats paramount," David Dein said of Amaju Pinnick.
"Secondly, he is an intelligent guy, he is highly focused, knows what he wants to do and knowns what he wants to develop."
David Dein further spoke on the state of Nigerian football and what the is missing in the country's football.
"I tell you what is missing and it is not just in football. It is not easy for me to say this but generally speaking because I have been travelling to Nigeria for the best part of 40 years and I can tell you that one word is missing that needs to be done in the whole part of Nigeria and that's unity. At the moment things are so fragmented and you can never achieved anything like that unless you bring everyone together thinking about the same goal and objectives.
"You've got a fantastic population there; about 170 million people and a football crazy people that love Nigeria. You have the gifted and natural talents that can be developed and that needs to be trained. Better teachers, better pupils, better coaches, better footballers. So better facilities and better coaches and get the youngsters at an early age," Dein advised.
I think what is missing in Nigeria, is unity. There is the talent and every other thing and I have travelled to Nigeria.
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