Uganda striker of Nigerian heritage, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, says he is determined to continue his good form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as the Cranes face Nigeria in a crucial Group match on Tuesday in Morocco.
Ikpeazu, who was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, committed his international future to Uganda in 2021 and made his senior debut in September. Since then, he has found the net twice for the East Africans, including a vital late equaliser in their 1–1 draw against Tanzania last Saturday.
That goal kept Uganda’s qualification hopes alive, even though they remain bottom of the group. With Nigeria already through to the knockout stage, Uganda know that only a win in their final group game will guarantee them a place in the round of 16.
The St. Johnstone forward admitted that facing Nigeria carries emotional weight, but his focus remains firmly on helping Uganda progress.
“I’m half Nigerian — that’s where my dad is from — so there’s definitely an emotional connection,” Ikpeazu said in Morocco. “But I also have a strong attachment to Uganda. This is the country I play for, and I’ll be hoping to beat Nigeria. If I score, that would be special, but the most important thing is getting all three points.”
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Ikpeazu was previously linked with a possible Super Eagles call-up, but intense competition in Nigeria’s attacking options reportedly limited that opportunity.
Reflecting on his AFCON goal against Tanzania, he described the moment as a dream come true.
“I grew up watching this tournament and admiring players like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré,” he said. “Just being here is a privilege, and scoring makes it even more special. I’d dedicate that goal to my grandparents on my mum’s side. I know they would have been proud.”
Uganda are appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations for the eighth time. Their best outing came in 1978, when they reached the final before losing to Ghana.
