Kanu not happy with WAFCON omission despite injury comeback, targets Super Falcons return

Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu has admitted her disappointment at being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, despite believing she had done enough to earn selection, Sport360NG reports.

Nigeria, led by head coach Justine Madugu, went on to claim a record-extending 10th continental crown, staging a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Kanu, who featured for the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, was omitted from the WAFCON squad following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The 28-year-old had spent around six months sidelined and was only just returning to fitness during preparations for the tournament, but maintains she expected to be included.

Speaking to Nigeria Info, Kanu revealed she received no detailed explanation for her exclusion.

“I haven’t heard any feedback, especially from the coach,” she said. “There hasn’t been any conversation with me from anyone. I had started my visa process and then, a few days before the team travelled, I got a text message from the coach saying that, for whatever reasons, I was no longer part of the team.

“I felt bad and I was sad. I really thought I was going to be part of the team.”

Since returning from injury in March, Kanu has made seven appearances for Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League, scoring once. She is reportedly out of contract with the club but remains optimistic about reclaiming her place in the national setup ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, also scheduled for Morocco.

“I supported my teammates all the way and they did very well,” she added. “I reached out to congratulate them and the coach. Hopefully, I’ll be back with the team.”

Off the pitch, Kanu recently launched her memoir, Football, My Escape, at an event in Lagos on Tuesday.

A standout at Nigeria’s U-17 and U-20 levels, she made her senior debut in 2019 and has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for the Super Falcons.