Super Falcons striker, Uchenna Kanu has shared her deep disappointment over her exclusion from Nigeria’s squad to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, saying she never received any explanation from the coaching crew.
The striker unveiled her memoir titled Football, My Escape at a launch event in Lagos on last week.
Super Falcons Clinch 10th Title Without Uchenna Kanu
Led by coach Justine Madugu, Nigeria staged one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history, overturning a 2–0 deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final.
The victory handed the Super Falcons a record-extending 10th continental crown.
However, Kanu who was a member of Nigeria’s squads to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, was a surprise omission, amongst others.
‘No Conversation With Me… I Just Got a Text’ – Uchenna Kanu
Speaking in a recent interview, the 28-year-old forward revealed that she had already begun visa processing for the tournament when she unexpectedly received a message informing her she had been dropped.
“I haven’t heard any feedback, especially from the coach. There hasn’t been any conversation with me from anyone.”
“I actually started my visa, and a few days to the travel date, I got a text message from the coach saying, for whatever reasons, I was no longer a part of the team.”
Kanu admitted the decision left her hurt and confused.
“I felt bad, I was sad. I thought I was going to be part of the team.”
Despite the disappointment, Kanu says she kept supporting the team throughout the tournament.
“My teammates did well and I supported them the entire time. I have reached out to congratulate them and the coach. Hopefully I’ll be back on the team.”
Return From Injury Played a Role
Uchenna Kanu was just returning from a long-term injury that sidelined her for about six months during the build-up to WAFCON.
Since resuming action in March, she has managed only seven appearances for Racing Louisville in the NWSL, scoring once.
She is also reportedly out of contract with the American club.
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Eyes on 2026 WAFCON Return
Kanu, who has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for the Super Falcons since making her debut in 2019, hopes to earn a recall ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, also set to take place in Morocco.
