WAFCON 2026: Uchenna Kanu backs Super Falcons to rebound

Uchenna Kanu believes the Super Falcons will recover from their disappointing WAFCON 2026 campaign and return stronger in future matches. The Cruz Azul striker said Nigeria must respond to the setbacks in Morocco by working harder and accepting responsibility for the team’s performance.

Nigeria began the tournament poorly, losing their opening group match to Malawi, who were appearing at the competition for the first time. The Falcons did not reach the semi-finals after their campaign ended with a 1-0 quarter-final defeat by eventual champions Cameroon.

That result also ended Nigeria’s record of qualifying for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991. The team then lost 2-1 to South Africa in a play-off, removing their remaining route to the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Kanu acknowledged that the players had not produced their best football during the competition. She said the outcome was especially difficult after the expectations surrounding Nigeria before the tournament, while also recognising that winning the continental title has become more demanding.

The forward said the squad must examine its contribution to the failure rather than place responsibility elsewhere. In her view, every player has a part to play in improving the team, with greater effort and sacrifice needed when Nigeria return to action.

Kanu, who was born in Aba, first represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She also featured at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and made her senior debut in a 2-1 friendly defeat by Canada on 8 April 2019. She was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Mexico-based striker described the Morocco campaign as a painful period but said it would not determine the Falcons’ future. Her message was that the team should assess the failure, regroup and use the experience as motivation to meet the expectations of Nigerian supporters.