Nigerian-Ugandan Ikpeazu targets win against Eagles News

Uganda striker of Nigerian descent, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, is eager to maintain his fine form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as the Cranes battle the Super Eagles for a place in the round of 16 on Tuesday (today) in Morocco, The PUNCH reports.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, Ikpeazu was officially capped by Uganda in September after switching his international allegiance in 2021. He has since scored twice for the East Africans, with his most recent goal coming in their 1–1 draw against regional rivals Tanzania last Saturday.

Ikpeazu struck a late equaliser in that encounter before teammate Allan Okello missed a penalty, forcing Uganda to settle for a draw. Despite sitting bottom of the group, the result kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

However, the Cranes face a stern test in their final group fixture against an already-qualified Nigeria, knowing that only a win will guarantee their progression to the last 16.

The St. Johnstone forward has made his allegiance clear and hopes to deliver against his father’s country.

“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.”

Reports suggest Ikpeazu was previously open to representing Nigeria, but stiff competition in the Super Eagles’ attacking department limited his chances.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to score at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said after the Tanzania match.

“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 AFCON, with their best finish coming in 1978, when they reached the final but lost to Ghana.