Nigeria football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has gotten not just his smiles back but the entire $11,000 (almost N4m) that ‘disappeared’ from his luggage when he arrived at Kaliningrad, Russia on Sunday.

A close associate of the former Arsenal star, Shina Philips, confirmed that Kanu has indeed recovered his stolen money.

“Yes, it is true, the money has been returned to him, he called me from London today (Tuesday). He has left Russia since he completed his original assignment there” Mr. Philips stated.

It is understood that Kanu was in Kaliningrad to take part in a World Cup promotional game between FIFA Legends and the Russia Legends, to open the World Cup Football Park in the city.

The FIFA Legends won 6-4 with Niko Kranjcar, Nuno Gomes and Cafu each scoring a brace.

Interestingly, Kaliningrad, the city were Kanu lost and recovered his money, will host the Super Eagles’ first game at the World Cup.

Though Kanu has hinted that he would be back to watch the Eagles take on Croatia, one would expect that he would be more careful with his valuables.