For Daniel Nzuki, a resident of Ruaka in Kiambu County, it was an ordinary day until a knock on his door turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
When he opened the door, Nzuki was surprised to see who was standing there.
Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu surprises fans with the EPL trophy
In his hands was the iconic Premier League trophy, crafted from sterling silver and 24-karat silver gilt. The trophy is known for its significant weight and design centred on the “Three Lions of English Football.”
“I was lost for words,” said Nzuki, still in disbelief hours later.
“The man I’d only seen on TV for years was now on my doorstep with the real EPL trophy. It doesn’t get better than that.”
Manchester City fan Daniel Nzuki (right) and his friends receive Arsenal and Nigeria legend Nwankwo Kanu at his house in Ruaka, Nairobi during the EPL trophy tour on October 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
“At first, it didn’t feel real. It was like I was dreaming,” added Nzuki, a Manchester City fan.
He was one of four lucky Kenyans to receive a surprise visit from Kanu as part of the Premier League Trophy Tour, a global initiative in collaboration with Guinness, that celebrates football fans worldwide.
“This worldwide tour of the trophy celebrates supporters who keep the competition alive beyond England, the home of the English Premier League,” Kanu said.
The other lucky fans were Denis Njau and Robert Kimani, both Arsenal diehards from Kasarani and Karen, respectively, and Ann Njoroge, a Manchester United fan from Waiyaki Way.
For Ann, everything changed the moment she saw Kanu. She could no longer remember the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester United fan Anne Njoroge (centre) with her friends receive Arsenal and Nigeria legend Nwankwo Kanu at her house in Kanyariri Homes on Waiyaki Way in Nairobi during the EPL trophy tour on October 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
“I have been a Manchester United fan all along,” she said. “However, meeting Kanu, the Arsenal legend, at my doorstep and touching the trophy was more important than club colours. Meeting Kanu and touching the trophy is something I will never forget.”
Kanu, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, said bringing the trophy to Africa felt like a personal endeavour.
“It means a lot to me to know that I am African,” he said. “Bringing the cup home means a lot to me and to our people. Everyone wants to see it and touch it. Seeing it in person is different from seeing it on TV. There’s nothing bigger than that.”
In Kasarani, Njau was speechless when Kanu appeared at his doorstep.
“I never expected this,” he said. “You open your door and see your childhood hero — the guy who scored hat tricks against Chelsea — standing right there with the EPL trophy. I was shocked, and I still am.”
Nation Media Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Odundo poses with the English Premier League trophy at Nation Centre in Nairobi on October 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
At Kimani’s home in Karen, the situation was no different. Kimani and his friends were ecstatic when they saw Kanu holding the trophy before them.
After a brief moment of silence, Kimani and his friends started chanting, “Kanu! Kanu!” while the legend posed for selfies and reminisced about his days at Arsenal.
“Playing for a club that wins that trophy means a lot,” Kanu said. “From what I’ve seen, Kenyan fans are incredible. They love football. They love the Premier League, and of course, they love Arsenal. They’re extra.”
During his illustrious career at Arsenal from 1999 to 2004, Kanu won the Premier League title twice under the legendary manager Arsène Wenger.
He was with the club during its famous “Invincibles” season in 2003–04, when the Gunners finished the season unbeaten.
Media personality Carol Radull poses with the English Premier League trophy at Kenya Breweries Limited’s microbrewery in Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
However, the visit wasn’t just about nostalgia. Kanu, the founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation, used his tour to inspire young Kenyan players.
“Seeing me with the trophy might look easy, but starting out is never easy. You have to work extra hard. Start at home, give your best, and moving forward will become easier.”
As the trophy travelled from Ruaka to Kasarani and from Karen to Waiyaki Way, the excitement was palpable.
“The Premier League is realising how strong its Kenyan fan base is,” said Njau. “They’ve gone to Asia before, but now they can see that Africa’s passion for the Premier League is unmatched.”
Arsenal fan Kerry Martin strikes the trademark Gyökeres pose next to the English Premier League trophy at Kenya Breweries Limited’s microbrewery in Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
For many, Kanu’s visit was not just about the trophy; it was a celebration of unity, shared dreams, and the power of football to bring people together despite club rivalries.
From Manchester City’s blue to Arsenal’s red and Manchester United’s pride, their Nairobi fans had one thing in common that day: sheer, unfiltered joy.
The 2025 African leg of the EPL Trophy Tour includes stops in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, featuring fan events, youth football clinics, and community programmes.
Fans will have the opportunity to see the authentic trophy, which is lifted by the champions each season.
