Kanu vows Super Falcons will ‘fight’ Cameroon in decisive Wafcon quarter-final

Nigeria forward Uchenna Kanu says the Super Falcons are ready to give everything when they face Cameroon in a crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Sunday.

The match has added significance, with victory securing Nigeria’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A win over the Indomitable Lionesses would also send the ten-time African champions into the Wafcon semi-finals as they continue their defence of the title.

Nigeria reached the knockout stage with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt. Kanu made a decisive impact from the bench, scoring after her introduction and helping the Super Falcons maintain their progress in the tournament.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Kanu said she was delighted to have found the net and credited her team-mates for creating the opportunity.

“So very excited. I’m super excited. I’m really happy I was able to get behind the ball and I was sprinting my life out for that ball and I’m glad my teammate was able to find me and kudos to her as well and yeah, I’m super proud,” she told reporters in the mixed zone post-match.

The forward believes the encounter with Cameroon has the feel of a final because of what is at stake, but said Nigeria would approach it with the same intensity regardless of the opposition.

Asked what supporters should expect from the Super Falcons, Kanu delivered a clear message.

“Nothing other than fighting, fighting, and fighting. We are always ready to fight, and it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. I think the team is in a good place right now. But we also have a few things to go back to the drawing board and work on.

“We will do our best to make Nigerians proud, as we’ve always done, and we need all the support that we can get from every Nigerian who is watching us play in this tournament. It’s going to be a good game, and we’re looking forward to it,” she added.

Kanu has built a reputation for making an impact after coming off the bench. However, when asked whether she should now be regarded as a “super sub”, she played down the label and praised the team-mates involved in her goal.

“You can call it whatever you want, but I think it’s not my first time doing that, so it felt normal to me. But again, kudos to my teammates. Rinss (Rinsola Babajide), I think she was the one who played the pass, and I think it was a top assist. I’m really happy about it,” she revealed.

The Super Falcons forward also addressed the low attendances at stadiums during the tournament. Although she said the limited crowds had not affected the team’s performances, she stressed the importance of greater support during the knockout phase.

“It hasn’t really affected us in any way, but I feel like, again, we need the crowd. We need all the support that we can get. We’re staying focused on the game, and no matter what the stands look like, we’ll always do our best. We always fight to the end,” she stated.

Kanu urged Nigerians living in Morocco, particularly those in Rabat, to attend Sunday’s match and support the team’s bid for another major achievement.

“But I’m also calling on all the fans in Rabat, all the Nigerians in Morocco entirely, to come out and support us. Moving into the playoffs, I think it’s important that we get all the support that we can get. We’re going to do great, and we’re going to make Nigeria proud, as always,” she concluded.

The Super Falcons’ quarter-final against Cameroon will determine both their route to the Wafcon semi-finals and Nigeria’s automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.