US-based inform Super Falcons player Uchenna Kanu, shares in this interview, ’TANA AIYEJINA the record African champions are extremely motivated for the two-game Olympics qualifier against eternal rivals Banyana Banyana, her impressive performance in the NWSL, and more
How are you anticipating Friday’s (today) match against archrivals Banyana Banyana?
I’m really looking forward to Friday’s game and I hope it will be a great match for us. However, I wish we had more time to train together as a team, with everyone coming from far distances and very little time for rest and training. But I trust my teammates, we’ve always found a way to push through the stress and use it as motivation. I believe we are going to deliver a winning performance on Friday (today).
The South Africans have complained about the Abuja weather ahead of the match. How suitable is it?
The weather is tough, for sure, but we have no choice but to adapt as quickly as we can. Some of us are accustomed to the heat but the most important thing is getting the most out of the short time we have for training and practicing our tactics for Friday (today).
You were part of the squad that lost to the South Africans at the 2022 WAFCON. Do you think this is time for payback?
I wouldn’t call it payback. However, we are prepared and will come out looking much better than our last encounter with them. Again, the girls are in form and ready to make Nigerians proud as always. We will do our best to win this game.
Falcons last played at the Olympics in 2008. Is this a motivation for the team to win?
Absolutely! I personally haven’t been to the Olympics before and I’m very excited and looking forward to making a positive impact. I believe my teammates understand how crucial these games (first and second legs) are, so, we don't really have much of a choice but to qualify.
You are in great form in the new NWSL season with two goals in three matches. How are you hoping to continue with this form on Friday?
Yes! I’m very proud of myself for achieving that. It means so much to me and my career and I’m grateful. Again, I’m excited about the opportunity to participate in the Olympics for the first time and I will be approaching the game with everything.
Banyana have gradually risen to become the best side in Africa. Do you think the Falcons have what it takes to retain their top soon?
Yes, the Super Falcons have always been the best side in Africa and we will continue to work hard to maintain that position.
Falcons are always a joyful team, singing and dancing before and after games. Is this a motivation for the team?
I think so. Mostly when we sing, it’s always praise and gospel songs before games because we kind of like to pray, you know, it’s like our culture. Right from Nigeria, it’s always been like that. When we play a game, it’s always important that we pray and praise God and just get our spirits lifted and high. So, it’s always been our tradition as a group and as individuals. We’ve always done that, right from our youth team days and it’s a part of us now, we do it in every game, it doesn’t matter who we play. It’s very much part of our pre-game routine.
Do you recall your first time playing for the Falcons and how it felt?
My first time playing was in the WAFU tournament in Ivory Coast in May 2019. I had just finished school and joined the team in Ivory Coast for the tournament. I remember scoring a tying goal in the semi-final game against Ivory Coast. The game ended in a penalty shootout and we won. I scored several goals that led the coach to include me in the (2019) World Cup list. I remember playing for the first time in the World Cup. It was really great. I got playing time and I was very excited.
What is your pre-game routine and will you do it against Banyana?
Certainly I will. On game day, I pray, listen to music, and have breakfast. For away games when we travel, I'll be with my teammates. We take a walk, have coffee, and relax. I speak to my family, but the most important thing I do for the game is talk to my mum. I call my mum to get her blessings and have her pray for me over the phone before I prepare for the game. That’s my game day routine.
What are the highlights of your club career?
I would say playing in the collegiate league in the US. I competed in the WTSL, a summer league in the US. During summer breaks, we participated in that league to stay in shape before returning to school. It was a really enjoyable experience for me because I had a great time with my teammates and we won the championship. I also scored many goals in the United States and won several awards: Player of The Year, Player of The month, and Player of The Tournament. My biggest achievement in college was setting a record with 159 goals for both the men and women’s division. I was the top scorer in college, so that’s my major accomplishment in college. Additionally, I have a day, November 18, dedicated to me for setting that record.
