By Soibi Max-Alalibo
Nigerian-born Ugandan striker, Uche Ikeazu, has declared his intention to lead the onslaught of the Cranes of Uganda to defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their final Group C match of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, today.
Ikpeazu, who was born in England to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, made his debut with the Cranes in September 2025.
While acknowledging that his emotional attachment to his father’s country, Nigeria, is very strong, he said it will not stop him from helping Uganda defeat the Nigerian side.
“My dad is from Delta state. I am half-Nigerian. That is where my dad is from. So there is always going to be an emotional attachment.
“I am Ugandan as well, and I play for Uganda. I will be hoping to beat Nigeria. So, Dad, I am sorry”, Ikpeazu said.
He added that, “I do not have a planned celebration against Nigeria. But you know in football, emotions can get the better of you.”
Nigeria emerged the first country to qualifying for the knockout stage of the championship after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in their opening match of the tournament, and Tunisia 3-2 in their second match to garner the maximum 6 points before today’s encounter with the Cranes at the Stade Foot Fès.
Uganda occupies the 4th position in the group, with just one point from their draw with the Tanzanians, and 3-0 bashing from Tunisia in their first game. This means that while will be fighting to maintain their prestige of recording three straight wins, the Cranes must beat the Super Eagles to have a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.
Ikpeazu minced no words when he said his Nigerian connection will not hold him back from doing what is needed for Uganda to beat Nigeria.
