Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu has officially launched her deeply personal memoir, titled 'Football My Freedom', at a well-attended event held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The book chronicles her remarkable journey from the challenging streets of Aba to becoming an international football icon.
From Aba Streets to Global Pitches: A Journey of Grit
The launch event, which took place on 17 December 2025, saw the presence of notable figures including comedian Nasboi, the book's co-founder Bizzle Osikoya, and Kanu's mother, Mrs Ngozi Kanu. In her address, Kanu painted a vivid picture of her humble beginnings in Aba, Abia State. She spoke of training on uneven pitches, often playing barefoot, and confronting societal pressures that discouraged girls from playing football.
Her family's resilience was tested by a devastating fire outbreak that forced them to live in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. Despite these adversities, football became her sanctuary. "Football saved me, and gave me an escape route, as well as opened doors I never imagined," Kanu shared with the audience. She read excerpts detailing her ascent through national youth teams, her record-breaking collegiate athletic scholarship in the United States, and her eventual rise to the Super Falcons.
More Than a Sports Story: A Testament to Survival
Soccer analyst and television presenter, Chisom Mbonu-Ezekoke, delivered the keynote address, framing Kanu's story as one carved from hardship, not privilege. "Uchenna did not have perfect conditions. She had streets, setbacks and even a devastating fire outbreak. She had a hundred reasons to give up, but she chose to move forward," Mbonu-Ezekoke stated.
She emphasized that the memoir transcends sports, describing it as "a combat story" carrying "fire" and "fighting spirit." Mbonu-Ezekoke also highlighted the crucial role of support systems, praising Kanu's mother for believing in her daughter's talent and granting her the freedom to pursue her passion.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kanu's primary motivation for writing the book is to inspire young people across Africa. She detailed her most vulnerable moments—injuries, defeats, self-doubt, and the immense pressure of representing Nigeria—to show that success is possible despite obstacles. "This book is my truth, my journey, my struggles and my gratitude. I want young girls and boys across Africa to know that dreams are valid, even when the world feels loud," she remarked.
Addressing young girls directly, Mbonu-Ezekoke urged them not to see their backgrounds as limitations, pointing to Kanu as living proof. "This is not just a literary event. It is a celebration of resilience and a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you can still score the winning goal," she concluded.
The memoir, 'Football My Freedom', stands as a powerful narrative of faith, survival, and the transformative power of sport, celebrating a Nigerian hero who turned personal pain into triumphant power.
