Kanu Acquires Multi-million Dollar Dubai Hotel

Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu has continued to expand his business horizon, as he has become the latest member to invest in The First Group, a British owned development company, by purchasing the multi-million dollar ‘Diamond Hotel Apartments’ in Dubai Sports City.

Kanu joins The First Team’s all star cast of sporting ambassadors, including fellow footballers Michael Owen and Andriy Shevchenko, tennis ace Svetlana Kuznetsova, cricketer Andrew Flintoff, rugby star Bryan Habana and golfer Sam Torrance, who all own properties developed and managed under The First Group portfolio. 

Kanu declared after his latest foray: “I have spent a lot of time visiting Dubai recently. It is a wonderful city and I’m delighted to have property here now. I look forward to continuing to work with The First Group and coming back to Dubai for many years to come!” The First Group continued to prosper and grow in 2009 with the majority of its 3,400 property units sold and developments in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah nearing completion. The First Group also opened offices in Lagos, Moscow and Almaty.

Danny Lubert, Co-Chairman of The First Group, commented: “It is an honour to have the support of our ambassadors and we are delighted to see The First Team continue to grow. Nigeria is a big market for us – The First Group opened an office there last year so it is great to have Kanu on board.

“I have been a big fan of Kanu the footballer for a long time, especially during his tremendous years at my home club Arsenal. Having met him and learned more about his work both on and off the pitch, I have become even more impressed by Kanu the person. 

The Diamond Hotel Apartments is a unique hotel apartment project at Dubai Sports City. There are 128 turnkey hotel apartments which are fully furnished and benefit from luxury hotel facilities. This 13 storey building offers one and two bedroom apartments as well as penthouses and also has Michael Owen as one of its owners. The Diamond Hotel Apartments is just one of the developments making up The First Group portfolio, which also includes three more projects in Dubai Sports City, two developments in Tecom and a project in Ras Al Khaimah.

Nicknamed ‘Papillo,’ The King, Kanu has amassed a glittering collection of medals and personal titles since making his debut at the age of 15. Under Ajax, he sealed three Dutch titles and a European Cup, and has captained the Nigerian Team to an Olympic Gold. During his seven years with Arsenal, he scored a double Premier League win and a FA Cup title, before lifting a third FA Cup under current team Portsmouth. Personal accolades also include two African Footballer of the Year Awards.