Charlton Athletic Kanu joined
Charlton Athletic at under-11 level. On 2 February 2022, after scoring 31 goals in all competitions across Charlton's youth sides, Kanu signed his first professional contract with the club. Ten days later, on 12 February 2022, Kanu made his debut for Charlton, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute in a 2–1
League One loss against
Wigan Athletic. On 22 November 2022, Kanu scored his first professional goal for the club in a 3–2 defeat away at
Plymouth Argyle in the
EFL Trophy. On 7 February 2024, it was announced that Kanu had signed a new long-term contract with the club.
Southend United (loan) On 6 October 2023, Kanu joined
Southend United on an initial 28-day loan. On his first start, Kanu scored his first goals for the club, netting four times in a 5–0 victory over
Solihull Moors. On 2 December 2023, Kanu was recalled early by Charlton Athletic from his loan.
Walsall (loan) On 22 August 2025, January joined
Walsall on a season-long loan. Following a strong start to his time with the club, he was named
EFL Young Player of the Month for September 2025. He was named League Two Young Player of the Season at the
2026 EFL Awards. At the club's End of Season awards, he was named Young Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Player of the Season, in addition to finishing top scorer. ==International career==