Uganda coach names Nigerian in AFCON provisional squad

FILE: Uganda coach Paul Put

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Uganda coach Paul Put has named a 30-man provisional squad, including a 30-year-old Uchechukwu Ikpeazu of Nigerian descent, as the Cranes prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Cranes of Uganda have been drawn in Group C of the tournament, alongside Nigeria, Tanzania and Tunisia. The 2025 AFCON will be played in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, 2026, marking Uganda’s first appearance since 2019.

Ikpeazu, who was born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother in London, was officially capped by Uganda in September, since switching his nationality in 2021.

The St. Johnstone forward will hope to make the final 28-player squad, as the Cranes landed in Morocco on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, during which they will play two friendly matches before the final squad announcement.

Uganda coach, Put, who recently got a contract extension until 2028 opted for a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents in his squad.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango returns as one of four goalkeepers named, while teenage prospect James Bogere earns a first senior call-up after his standout displays at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

There is further attacking reinforcement with in-form striker Mato Rogers, who has scored 15 goals in 17 matches for FK Vardar this season, leading the forward line.

The squad also features returns for Baba Alhassan and Melvyn Lorenzen, who impressed in Uganda’s November friendlies.

The defensive group includes Toby Sibbick of Burton Albion, Jordan Obita, Abdu Azizi Kayondo and SC Villa captain David Owori, while Khalid Aucho heads a midfield unit aiming to guide Uganda through a challenging group.

Uganda will open their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23 before facing Nigeria and Tanzania in what is considered one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.

In line with CAF’s new regulations, Put is expected to drop just two players, but it could be more, depending on Uganda’s plans.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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