Uchenna Kanu: Nigeria's scoring sensation taking Mexico by storm

Nigeria and Tigres UNAL striker Uchenna Kanu is drawing the most attention from media and fans in Mexico by lighting up the Mexican Liga MX with her superb goalscoring prowess, BSNSports com.ng reports.

After joining Tigres UNAL, Kanu did not only just become the first Nigerian woman but also the first African to play in Mexico following a rule change to allow the signing of non-Mexicans.

The 2019 African Women's Footballer of the Year nominee continued her blistering debut season during the week when she netted her second hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Santos Laguna.

And Kanu says moving to the country was a 'stepping stone' in her career as she is aiming to open doors for fellow Africans by her scintillating form in the Mexican Liga MX with Tigres.

"I'm honoured, coming to Mexico is been great and the people here are nice, not just the teammates, not the club but the whole city, the fans," the Abia State-born striker told CAF Media.

"I've not seen fans like that of Tigres, I am thankful for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, my family and myself here in Mexico.

"As the first Nigerian and African to play in Mexico is huge, a stepping stone and opening the door for other Nigerians and Africans to join. Just putting the name of Nigeria on the map positively, it's been great and I am grateful for the opportunity."

During her four-year studies at South Eastern University, she had over 100 games, emerging as the all-time top-scorer with 157 goals and even has November 18 dedicated to her as “Uchenna Kanu Day”.

To launch her professional stint full time, the Nigerian left the United States after her graduation with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management at Sevilla in January 2020.

Six months later, she moved to Sweden, where she made a huge breakthrough, scoring 22 goals in 42 games for Linkopings before her big-money switch to the fast-growing Liga MX.

"Playing in Sweden, I don't like it too much cold but I focused on what took me there. So, when it comes to playing, Sweden is one of the top leagues in the world," said the 24-year-old forward.

"Playing there prepared and inspired me really well physically, and mentally. I learned so much in Sweden. I think it's stereotypical how people view Mexico, no one could really say what it is like there.

"Right here it's totally different, the league is competitive, and the players are professional. I like it here. Being the first African and Nigerian to play here, I hope my former teammates and fellow Africans from back home can join the league and just help build and grow it more.

"I'm just focused on getting better, learning about cultures, the pattern played here and making friends. It's been great in Sweden, in Spain and here now in Mexico and I'm prepared to keep going forward."

Since making her debut in Mexican football against Necaxa on January 10, the highly-rated forward has hit double figures, scoring 10 goals in 13 games, including hat-tricks twice for second-placed Tigres.

Despite her incredible start to life, the Nigerian insists

she is under no pressure to excel and also inspire her Liga MX side to domestic podium successes in the country.

“I don't feel any pressure right now, but there are expectations, that's is part of the journey. Opening doors for my former teammates, I just want them to make a move if they really want to come here,” she appealed.

“The league is competitive, there are professional players here and has well we could play our part in making it better. As more athlete comes in the league gets better. For now, I am just focused on helping my team get better, no pressure at all, I just need to do what I know how to do best.”