Super Falcons forward, Uchenna Kanu has declared that she is far from done with the national team, insisting she remains hungry, motivated, and determined to contribute more to Nigeria’s success.
Speaking at an exclusive interview with Brila.net, the striker addressed concerns about her fitness, reaffirmed her commitment to returning stronger, and delivered a powerful message encouraging young girls in sports.
Kanu, who has scored 20 goals for Nigeria, made it clear that her ambition remains as strong as ever. She shared that her primary focus is staying fit after rumours circulated about her availability during the last WAFCON campaign.
“I think at this point in my career, scoring 20 goals, I still have more to give. That’s if I’m given the chance and my goal is to stay fit, stay healthy.”
“I want to win with the team more. I want to score more goals.”
Addressing reports that she was unfit to travel with the squad, Kanu noted that she has chosen to focus only on what she can control.
“So like there’s a rumor that I wasn’t fit or healthy to travel. Maybe I should, you know, stay fit. I guess I can’t control that. I can only control what I can control.”
She added that her desire is to rejoin the team soon and reunite with her teammates as they chase an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.
“So my goal is to be back on the team to at least get back with my girls because I miss them a lot and I’m looking forward to the 11th.”
“Stay True to Your Dreams” – Kanu’s Message to Young Girls
During the book launch event, Kanu delivered a heartfelt call to action aimed at young girls pursuing sports—especially those navigating unsupportive environments.
“I think it’s important that they know, identify how passionate they are about the sport, especially the girl child.”
“If you’re struggling in an environment where you’re not accepted or you’re not given the opportunity to thrive as a sports person, it’s important that you stay true to yourself, stay true to your dreams and give it everything.”
Uchenna Kanu highlighted the unique struggles faced by girls in sports, particularly in societies where female participation is limited or discouraged.
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A Wake-Up Call to Parents
Kanu also challenged Nigerian parents to stop restricting their children, especially girls, from participating in sports.
She described such limitations as harmful and urged parents to embrace the value that sports bring to personal development.
“For parents who deprive their kids the opportunity to be around sports, I think it’s kind of like a wake-up call for every parent to kind of allow their kids to be involved in sports.”
The 28-year-old striker emphasized that sports offer far more than athletic competition, shaping young people both mentally and emotionally.
“It’s not just about kicking football, volleyball or any type of sport, any type of ball. It’s not just about kicking it, but it’s also about what comes with it.”
“Sports build character, it builds resilience, it helps your kids to be involved in teamwork and also get engaged in other things around life, not just playing football.”
Kanu also stressed that sports participation does not hinder academic achievement, which is a misconception still held by many parents.
“And we promote education as well, so every parent who is in that circle right now should allow their kids to have access to sports.”
