By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

Charlton Athletic has signed a new long-term contract with Daniel Kanu until 2027; after recording four goals and providing one assist for the team for the first time.

In November 2023, Kanu made his senior debut for Sierra Leone in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

The striker went on loan to National League side, Southend United and made a bizarre home debut; scoring four goals in a 5-0 win against Solihull Moors.

Kanu was named the Valley Gold Young Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season after an impressive first-year scholar campaign that saw him scoring 41 goals for the academy and make his senior debut.

Kanu expressed his excitement, saying that: “It’s a dream come true, I am excited for the future. I have been at this club since U11s, so it’s been a long journey. I signed my first professional contract two years ago around this time and actually I am just grateful to the academy and everyone else that’s been part of my journey to get me to where I am today.”

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic’s technical director, Andy Scott, has expressed his delight in tying Kanu down to a long-term contract.

“We want to keep our best young players at the football club, and we are delighted to have secured Daniel for the future.

Though, Mr Scott spoke, he has shown that he’s got the quality, and he’s demonstrated that he can score goals, his attitude to working and improving is exceptional.

“And we believe that we can make him into a player that’s going to have a big, bright future at the club,” he affirmed.