Uganda striker of Nigerian descent, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, is hoping to continue his impressive form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when the Cranes face Nigeria in a decisive Group C encounter on Tuesday (today) in Morocco.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, Ikpeazu was officially capped by Uganda in September after completing his switch of international allegiance in 2021. Since then, the St. Johnstone forward has scored twice for the East Africans, including a crucial late equaliser in their 1–1 draw against Tanzania last Saturday.
Ikpeazu’s goal rescued a point for Uganda after teammate Allan Okello missed a late penalty, a result that left the Cranes bottom of the group but still mathematically in contention for a place in the round of 16.
Uganda now face a daunting task against an already-qualified Nigeria, knowing that only a victory will guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
Despite his Nigerian roots, Ikpeazu made it clear where his loyalty lies ahead of the clash with the Super Eagles.
“It keeps our dreams of qualifying out of the group alive and obviously we want to win the game,” Ikpeazu told journalists in Morocco.
“I’m half Nigerian — that’s where my dad is from. Of course, there’s going to be an emotional attachment, but I also have an emotional attachment to Uganda. I play for Uganda, so I’ll be hoping to beat Nigeria. If I score, that will be wonderful, but the most important thing is to get the full points,” he added.
Reports indicate that Ikpeazu had previously been open to representing Nigeria, but fierce competition in the Super Eagles’ attack limited his international prospects.
Reflecting on his goal against Tanzania, the striker described the moment as one of the highlights of his career.
“I am absolutely ecstatic to score at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. “I grew up watching this tournament, watching my idols like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, so just playing in this competition is a privilege. To score as well — words can’t describe it.
“If I were to dedicate the goal, it would be to my grandparents on my mum’s side, because they’re no longer here. If they knew their grandson had scored at a major tournament to help Uganda get a point against Tanzania in Morocco, I think they’d be proud.”
Uganda are making their eighth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, with their best-ever performance coming in 1978, when they reached the final before losing to Ghana.
