By Kunle Solaja.
When Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Uganda in their final Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations, there is a strong possibility they will come up against a familiar name — a Nigerian-born striker leading the Ugandan attack.
Uganda’s offensive options include Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, who is part of the Cranes’ current 30-man squad for the tournament. Ikpeazu plays his club football in Scotland with St Johnstone and could feature prominently when the two sides meet.
Born in England to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, Ikpeazu represents Uganda at the international level after opting to commit his future to the East African nation.
His journey to the Ugandan national team has been a gradual one. Ikpeazu was first called up in March 2020 by then head coach Jonathan McKinstry for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, but those fixtures were postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An attempt to recall him in April 2022 under McKinstry’s successor, Milutin Sredojevic, did not materialise, as the striker chose to remain in Wales to fight for a place at Cardiff City. However, his international ambitions were revived when he received further call-ups in May 2024 and September 2025.
Ikpeazu went on to make his full international debut for Uganda on September 5, 2025, coming off the bench in a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique.
His presence adds an intriguing subplot to the Group C encounter, setting up a personal storyline when a Nigerian-born forward lines up against the Super Eagles in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.
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