…proceeds from sales goes to foundation, says Uchenna Kanu
Super Falcons striker Uchenna Kanu has officially launched her memoir, Football My Escape, a powerful account of her remarkable journey from street hawking in Aba to securing an athletics scholarship in the United States and ultimately fulfilling her dream of representing Nigeria at the highest level.
The glamorous launch event held on December 2 at the University of Lagos drew notable guests, including musician and comedian Nasboi, ace broadcaster Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke and renowned pidgin broadcaster Suo Chapelle, who all came to celebrate the milestone.
Kanu’s memoir highlights her “top shelf” mentality, her resilience, challenges, successes, and her rise from grass to grace. It also details how she defied stereotypes and consistently pushed herself to become the best version of who she envisioned.
During the event, Kanu read excerpts from the book, signed copies for attendees, and engaged guests about the writing process as well as answered a series of questions during a fireside chat session with renowned Channels TV journalist Cecilia Omoregbe.
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Reflecting on the memoir, the 28-year-old said it encapsulates her life’s journey and the obstacles she has faced and conquered.
“The book is not just about playing football. For me, it is about inspiring that little girl in me that, though the world was gagging her, still pushed through. I hope that if this book touches and inspires the life of just one girl, then I think I am fulfilled,” Kanu said.
In her opening remarks, Mbonu-Ezeoke praised Kanu’s extraordinary journey from the streets of Aba to the global stage, describing it as a story that will inspire countless young girls and boys across Nigeria and beyond.
“We are here to celebrate a special and talented woman-one who has made not just her family, state, tribe and gender proud, but has made Nigeria, Africa and the world proud. We celebrate a woman who has dribbled life just like she dribbled defenders on the pitch. Uchenna is truly special,” she said.
Kanu has now made history as the first Super Falcons player to publish a book, joining a select group of Nigerian internationals who have authored literary works. Notable names in that circle include Olusegun Odegbami, Sunday Oliseh, and Peter Rufai.
Her book launch also received messages of support from current and former teammates, friends, and well-wishers, while her family, including her mother and brother, were present to celebrate the special moment with her.
Kanu also stated that proceeds from sales of the book will go to the Uchenna Kanu Foundation, an enterprise focused solely on giving back to the community.
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