Former South Africa captain Bongani Khumalo has revealed his surprise at striker Uche Ikpeazu's decision to represent Uganda at the international level, after the forward marked his Africa Cup of Nations debut with a crucial goal. Ikpeazu's strike rescued a point for Uganda against Tanzania in their second Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Fez.
Khumalo's Revelation on Ikpeazu's International Choice
Speaking to SuperSport, Khumalo disclosed that he had shared a dressing room with Ikpeazu during their time on loan at Doncaster Rovers in the 2013/14 season. The former defender admitted he expected the London-born striker to pursue a career with the Nigerian national team.
"I actually was with him at Doncaster Rovers when he was a youngster and I remember speaking to him, Nigerian and Ugandan parents," Khumalo said. "So I’m quite surprised that he obviously turned out for Uganda because I thought he would have definitely pushed for Nigeria."
Ikpeazu's Complex Eligibility and AFCON Dream
Uche Ikpeazu's international allegiance was a topic of discussion for years due to his unique background. He was born in London to an Igbo Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, making him eligible to represent three countries: England, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Despite earlier interest from Nigeria, including an invitation to the U23 camp in 2014 from coach Samson Siasia and encouragement from former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, a senior call-up never materialised. This ultimately paved the way for his debut with Uganda's national team, the Cranes, at AFCON 2025.
The 30-year-old described scoring with his first touch in the tournament as a dream come true. "I'm absolutely ecstatic to score in the Africa Cup of Nations. I grew up watching this tournament, my idols like Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré," Ikpeazu told Kawowo Sports. "To play in this tournament is a privilege and to even score, words can't describe it."
Group C Showdown and Nigeria's Path Forward
The 1-1 draw between Uganda and Tanzania has significant implications for Group C of AFCON 2025. Both nations lost their opening matches, to Nigeria and Tunisia respectively, making a point each a setback for their knockout stage aspirations.
The group is now set for a decisive final matchday. Nigeria, having already secured qualification for the round of 16 with wins over Tanzania and Tunisia, will face Uganda. A victory or draw for the Super Eagles would guarantee top spot in the group, which is crucial for a favourable draw in the knockout phase.
Uganda, meanwhile, must beat Nigeria and hope other results go their way to have any chance of progressing. Ikpeazu has already set his sights on the challenge, stating, "the most important thing is that we would go on to the next game to try and qualify… against Nigeria hopefully we get a win."
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, after his team's 3-2 win over Tunisia, praised his squad's performance and emphasized the need for continuous improvement as they prepare for the final group game against Uganda.
