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Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu has urged Nigerians to remain confident in the team as they prepare for a crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash against Zambia. Africans& Diaspora
Nigeria suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening fixture, leaving the defending champions needing a strong response in their next match.
With Zambia standing in their way, Kanu insists the team is focused on the challenge ahead and determined to secure the points needed.
Kanu, however, played down Zambia’s impressive record when asked if the Copper Queens’ unbeaten group-stage run since 2018, with their last defeat coming against Nigeria, would serve as extra motivation for the Super Falcons.
“Every team is good, and I think it’s important that we take every game seriously. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing,” she told reporters in Morocco..
“Playing Zambia, it’s another game, another challenge, another opportunity to be ourselves and, you know, on the field.
“It doesn’t matter when they lost or when they haven’t lost. We’re focusing on just getting the points and doing what we are set out to do.”
Kanu added that the team respects Zambia’s quality but remains confident ahead of the meeting.
“So right now, we respect them. Zambia is a good team, just like everyone else, and we’re looking forward to that day. Yeah, it’s going to be a good game, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited,” she added.
Following criticism from some supporters after the defeat to Malawi, the Super Falcons forward appealed for continued backing, insisting the players are working hard to correct their mistakes.
“It’s football, you know. Things happen, but don’t give up on us. We’re still working to fix the things that we didn’t do right in the last game. So, we ask for everyone’s support, you know, moving into the Zambia game,” she said.
The forward also promised that the team would do everything possible to make Nigerians proud.
“We’ll make you proud. We just need all the support that we can get. So keep it up. We love you guys,” she added.
Addressing concerns over the criticism directed at the team online, Kanu revealed that the players have remained focused and are not allowing external pressure to affect their preparation.
“We always get criticized. We, you know, sometimes negatively, and most of the time we always come back and still show what we know how to do best.
“And I don’t think anyone on this team is, right now, looking at anything on the internet. I think we’re all focusing on the next game,” she revealed.
She explained that the squad has done well to block out distractions and remain united ahead of the must-win encounter.
“And I think we’ve done a really great job of not letting the noise affect the team, and we’re sticking with that. And I think we all are on the same page right now.
“We know what is, you know, what is at stake, and we know what it feels like right now on the internet and how Nigerians feel about our loss,” she explained.
Kanu further called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that the team needs everyone behind them as they look to revive their WAFCON campaign.
“But again, we need everyone together. We can’t be divided. We can’t have some people being off balance right now. The whole point is that we take it one game at a time, and we’re looking forward to it.
“And it doesn’t matter who we play. Like I said, we are ready, and we would, you know, make Nigerians proud and bring everyone back together again,” she concluded.
