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Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu has promised Nigerians a strong fighting spirit as the team prepares for their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Cameroon.
Nigeria booked their place in the knockout stage after a dominant 6-2 victory over Egypt, with Kanu making an impact after coming off the bench to score and help the ten-time African champions continue their title defence.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Kanu expressed her excitement after scoring and praised her teammates for their role in helping her find the back of the net.
“So very excited. I’m super excited. I’m really happy I was able to get behind the ball and I was sprinting my life out for that ball and I’m glad my teammate was able to find me and kudos to her as well and yeah, I’m super proud,” she told reporters told reporters in the mixed zone post-match.
The forward said the quarter-final clash against Cameroon feels like a final, with victory guaranteeing Nigeria qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Asked what Nigerians should expect from the Super Falcons in the decisive encounter, Kanu insisted the team is ready to give everything on the pitch.
“Nothing other than fighting, fighting, and fighting. We are always ready to fight, and it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. I think the team is in a good place right now. But we also have a few things to go back to the drawing board and work on.
“We will do our best to make Nigerians proud, as we’ve always done, and we need all the support that we can get from every Nigerian who is watching us play in this tournament. It’s going to be a good game, and we’re looking forward to it,” she added.
Kanu, who has developed a reputation for making important contributions after coming from the bench, was asked if she should be described as a “super sub” following her goal.
“You can call it whatever you want, but I think it’s not my first time doing that, so it felt normal to me. But again, kudos to my teammates. Rinss (Rinsola Babajide), I think she was the one who played the pass, and I think it was a top assist. I’m really happy about it,” she revealed.
The Super Falcons forward also spoke about the low attendance at stadiums during the tournament, admitting that the team needs stronger support from fans as they enter the knockout stage.
“It hasn’t really affected us in any way, but I feel like, again, we need the crowd. We need all the support that we can get. We’re staying focused on the game, and no matter what the stands look like, we’ll always do our best. We always fight to the end,” she stated.
Kanu called on Nigerians in Morocco, especially those in Rabat, to come out and support the team during their push for another major achievement.
“But I’m also calling on all the fans in Rabat, all the Nigerians in Morocco entirely, to come out and support us. Moving into the playoffs, I think it’s important that we get all the support that we can get. We’re going to do great, and we’re going to make Nigeria proud, as always,” she concluded.
The Super Falcons will face Cameroon on Sunday in the Wafcon quarter-final, with a place in the semi-final and automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.
