Uche Ikpeazu, a Nigerian-born striker playing for Uganda, has said he hopes to help the Cranes defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both sides meet in their final Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 30-year-old forward, who recently made his full international debut for Uganda, admitted the fixture carries deep personal emotions because of his Nigerian heritage.
Okay News reports that Ikpeazu was born in England to a Nigerian father from Delta State and a Ugandan mother, explaining that while he feels a strong emotional connection to Nigeria, his commitment on the pitch remains fully with Uganda. With the Cranes sitting bottom of the group and needing a win to stand a chance of qualification, the striker said he would not allow sentiment to affect his duty to his team.
Nigeria, already through to the knockout stage and top of Group C with six points, will face Uganda on Tuesday at the Stade Foot Fès.
Ikpeazu, acknowledging the emotional weight of the encounter, jokingly apologised to his father, stressing that football emotions may run high but his focus is on helping Uganda secure a crucial result.
