KCCA forward Shafik Nana Kwikiriza has rejoined the Uganda Cranes squad as they prepare for their crucial final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualification match against Congo Brazzaville on Tuesday, November 19. The game will take place at 7 PM EAT.
Kwikiriza, who had prioritized his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams over national team duties, was part of the traveling squad for the high-stakes encounter.
The 20-year-old Senior Six student at Jinja Progressive Secondary School had earlier missed the Cranes’ 2-0 defeat to South Africa last Friday to focus on his studies.
The decision to balance academics and football was made in consultation with Kwikiriza’s family, club, and officials from FUFA, earning widespread public support.
However, with a break in the UACE timetable until November 29, Kwikiriza has seized the opportunity to represent Uganda on the international stage.
Cranes head coach Paul Put, who previously supported Kwikiriza’s decision to prioritize his studies, expressed confidence in the young midfielder’s potential contribution to the team.
Uganda lost her top position in Group K after the defeat to South Africa at Namboole and will be hoping to beat Congo and hope South Africa fail to win against South Sudan in order to regain top spot in Group K.
The Cranes will return to Africa’s premier football tournament for the first time since 2019 when they go to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON.
