Teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu already turning heads with Canada, Notre Dame
Just 18 years old, Annabelle Chukwu is already making a name for herself in the world of soccer. The young forward has set a Canadian record with an impressive 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, surpassing the previous record held by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair. Sinclair scored 27 goals in 19 youth international matches from the U-19 to U-21 levels back in 2001 to 2002.
Chukwu recently made her senior debut for Canada, coming off the bench in the 64th minute of a match against Costa Rica. In just her debut game, she showed her skills by assisting in a crucial goal, helping Canada secure a 4-1 victory. Canada’s head coach, Casey Stoney, praised Chukwu for being “incredibly technically gifted” and a player who is “unplayable at times.”
This is not the first time Chukwu has been called up to the senior team. In fact, it is her third call-up, showing just how highly she is regarded by the coaching staff. Chukwu herself remains humble and grateful for the opportunities she has been given, expressing her admiration for the players she looks up to.
Chukwu’s talent has not gone unnoticed by her teammates either. Defender Jade Rose, who recently signed with Manchester City, describes Chukwu as an “incredibly skillful player” and praises her for being a challenging teammate to play against.
At just 18, Chukwu has already achieved remarkable success at the youth level, leading Canada to victory in the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship and scoring the winning goal in the final against Mexico. Despite her young age, she has also made an impact at the collegiate level, playing for Notre Dame and earning recognition for her performances.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Chukwu moved to Ottawa at a young age and has since decided to represent Canada in international competitions. She has also explored options with the English national team but ultimately chose to play for the country where she first started playing soccer.
Looking ahead, Chukwu remains focused on her development as a player and is open to the possibilities that the future holds. She dreams of playing professionally but is also content with her current situation at school, showing a mature and grounded attitude towards her career in soccer.
In conclusion, Annabelle Chukwu is a rising star in Canadian soccer, with a bright future ahead of her. Her talent, humility, and dedication to the sport make her a player to watch as she continues to make waves in the world of women’s soccer.
