Uche Ikpeazu’s path to representing Uganda was shaped by eligibility, long waits, and a late career decision after Nigeria interest failed to materialise at senior level.
Born in London, the St Johnstone striker was eligible to represent England, Nigeria, and Uganda through his parents. Nigeria were widely understood to be his preferred option early in his career, and he was monitored by the Nigeria Football Federation while coming through in England.
That interest became more concrete in December 2014 when former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia invited Ikpeazu to a Dream Team VI training camp, raising expectations that he could progress to the Super Eagles.
Despite that early exposure and encouragement from former Watford teammate Odion Ighalo, a senior Nigeria call up never arrived.
As the years passed and opportunities narrowed, Uganda moved decisively.
Ikpeazu accepted a call up from the Cranes and made a cap tying appearance during a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Mozambique in September 2025, officially committing his international future to Uganda.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo, who played with Ikpeazu at Doncaster Rovers, admitted he did not expect that outcome, given the striker’s background and earlier ambitions.
Speaking on SuperSport, Khumalo said: “I actually was with him at Doncaster Rovers when he was a youngster and I remember speaking to him, Nigerian and Uganda parents.
“So I’m quite surprised that he obviously turned out for Uganda because I thought he would have definitely pushed for Nigeria.”
Ikpeazu has since made an immediate impact for the Cranes.
On his Africa Cup of Nations debut, the 30 year old needed less than four minutes to score as Uganda came from behind to draw 1 1 with Tanzania.
He is set to face Nigeria on Tuesday evening when the two sides meet in their final group match of the 2025 tournament.
