Uganda forward Uche Ikpeazu in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has revealed why he chose to represent the Cranes instead of Nigeria during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
The St Johnstone striker was born in London to a Nigerian father and an Ugandan mother and was eligible to play for any of the three countries.
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The 30-year-old received a first invitation to the Cranes in 2020, but he didn’t make his debut until September 2025, when he featured as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Mozambique in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
“When they’ve got strikers like Osimhen in your position I think it’s pretty obvious. I enjoy playing for Uganda. Obviously, there was earlier shouts in my career about Nigeria and stuffs like that”, Ikpeazu exclusively told Footy-Africa when asked of his decision to represent Uganda over Nigeria.
The Cranes and the Super Eagles clash in their final Group C encounter on Tuesday evening, with Ikpeazu facing his father’s country for the first time.
The striker netted the equalizer for his side in their 1-1 draw against Tanzania in their last outing, which kept their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive and will be hoping for another impact performance against a country he could have represented.
“But I think God’s time is the best you know and obviously I’m here playing dor Uganda and it’s my country as well. I enjoy playing for Uganda”, the 30-year-old continued.
https://footy-africa.com/afcon-2025-schedule-results-and-standings-of-the-africa-cup-of-nations/
Uganda must defeat Nigeria in their final match at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday evening to book their spot at the round of 16 in the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
