Overmars talks about how "so important" Kanu and Finidi "have become" to Ajax

From Left: Nigerian former professional footballers Kanu Nwankwo and Finidi George lift the European Champions Cup (now the European Champions League) in 1995. According to NaijaSuperFans, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George became the first Nigerians to win the European Champions Cup with Ajax Amsterdam in 1995 after defeating Italian club AC Milan on 24 May. Photo - Getty

Ajax Amsterdam's Sporting Director of Football Mark Overmars have disclosed that Nigerian Legends Kanu Nwankwa and Finidi George are two of the best players the club has ever recruited.

Overmars who played alongside the Nigerians praised the club's scout in Africa for spotting both players, but admitted it will be difficult to discover players of their calibres now.

"I thought it was very clear that Ajax got two Nigerians who almost literally came from the jungle. Kanu had never played football in a stadium, did not even know the rules well," said Overmars, as quoted on the Ajax official website.

"It is so great that you get those two and that they have become so important to Ajax.

"The time is different, of course. Tonnie Pronk was the only scout in Nigeria at the time. In the matches where he watched Finidi and Kanu, there was no one else," he said.

Kanu and Finidi joined the Dutch giants in 1993 from Nigeria professional Heartland and Rivers United formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Sharks of Port Harcourt respectively.

Both players were part of the Ajax team that dominated Europe in the mid-90s.

Later, Finidi left Ajax for Spanish side Real Betis while Kanu left for Italian side Inter Milan.

Kanu and Overmars reunited at English side Arsenal and won the Premier League title before the Dutch winger was transferred to Barcelona.
Brila.net

More photos of Overmars, Kanu, Finidi and other Ajax teammates as they celebrate after winning the European Champions Cup in 1995 👇