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Uchenna Kanu thrilled with historic Nigeria strike, dedicates goal to sister’s birthday
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigerian superstar Uchenna Kanu has dedicated her first Women’s World Cup to her birthday-sister Joy Kanu after she netted her nation’s first goal of the tournament against Australia in their group stage clash on Thursday.
The Racing Louisville striker came on as a replacement for Francisca Ordega against Canada, but could not find the back of the net for mark her first appearance on her second Women’s World Cup outing in Melbourne.
Having got the starting role against the Maltidas, the former Sevilla striker missed twice in the first half before cancelling out Emily Von Egmond opener with her first goal on the brink of half timeat the Lang Park in Brisbane.
Instead of revelling in the moment herself, Kanu opted to dedicate the glorious moment to her sister, whose birthday fell on the same day while recounting the excitement of inspiring her nation’s 3-2 comeback win over the co-hosts.
“I’m super excited and happy. It means the world to me because is the biggest stage of my career, is a dream come true for me and I give God the glory,” , Kanu told NigeriaFootball.
“It was also my sister’s birthday and I dedicated the goal to her. Each time there’s a counter attack or forward transitions during play, I try as much as possible to engage myself in the situation.
“Looking back at the goal scoring chance that brought my goal, as soon as I saw Rash [Ajibade] dribbling towards goal I ran a hard as I could to get in the box for any deflections or rebounds.
“So thankfully I arrived on time after Rash took a shot that was deflected to my direction and I finished.”
