Uganda striker Uche Ikpeazu has declared that he will be supporting Nigeria to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following his team’s 3-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in Morocco on Tuesday.
Ikpeazu, 30, who plays for Scottish club St. Johnstone, holds dual heritage, with his father from Nigeria and mother from Uganda. This connection made the match highly personal for him, and he admitted before the game that he felt torn but was determined to lead Uganda to victory over Nigeria.
“I apologized to my dad before the game. I wanted to win for Uganda, but it didn’t happen,” Ikpeazu had said prior to kick-off.
Despite his efforts, the Cranes were eliminated from the AFCON tournament after the Super Eagles’ commanding performance. Following the game, Ikpeazu expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s team and pledged his support for them to lift the AFCON trophy.
In a post-match interview, Ikpeazu said:
“I will be supporting Nigeria to lift the AFCON. Uganda is a great national team — much respect to them.”
He acknowledged the quality of Uganda’s players while reflecting on the mistakes that led to the team conceding goals. “The quality showed, and I think at times some of the goals we conceded are mistakes, but it’s a learning curve. We are a very young group; we will learn, and we can do better. I tried my best, and that is the most important thing,” he added.
The Cranes entered the 2025 AFCON with high hopes but faced stiff competition from other strong African teams. Uganda had displayed resilience and technical skills in the group stage, but their journey ended in the knockout stage with the defeat to Nigeria.
Coach and football analysts highlighted that while Uganda’s squad showed promise, the lack of experience at major tournaments may have contributed to their exit. Many young players, including Ikpeazu, will now look forward to using this experience to strengthen the national team for future competitions.
For Ikpeazu, the match was emotionally charged. With family ties on both sides, the striker had to balance his loyalty to Uganda with respect for his Nigerian roots. The forward expressed regret at being unable to secure a win for Uganda, but he remained positive about his team’s performance and prospects.
“Uganda is a young team. We made mistakes, but these experiences are important for our growth. I will continue to give my best for my country,” he said.
His public endorsement of Nigeria reflects not only his dual heritage but also his respect for the sport and acknowledgment of the Super Eagles’ quality. Many fans of both nations praised Ikpeazu for his honesty and sportsmanship.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a strong performance, defeating Uganda 3-1. The victory allowed the Super Eagles to advance further in the tournament, showcasing the team’s depth, tactical discipline, and scoring ability.
Fans celebrated the victory across Nigeria, with social media flooded with reactions praising the team and anticipating their continued success in the tournament.
Ikpeazu’s situation highlights the increasingly common phenomenon of players with dual heritage representing one nation while maintaining personal ties to another. In African football, many players face difficult choices between countries, and their decisions often spark discussions about identity, loyalty, and national pride.
In Ikpeazu’s case, while he competed for Uganda, his immediate acknowledgment of Nigeria’s strength and his pledge to support the Super Eagles reflect the complex nature of dual-nationality players in international football.
Following the match, Ikpeazu and his teammates are expected to return home to Uganda. The focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for future tournaments. Football experts believe that experiences from AFCON 2025 will be crucial in developing Uganda’s young talent and strengthening their chances in upcoming competitions.
For Nigeria, the victory over Uganda provides momentum as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of the AFCON 2025 title. With key players performing well and tactical strategies working effectively, Nigeria remains one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Fans across both nations reacted positively to Ikpeazu’s comments. Many Ugandans expressed understanding and support for his decision, acknowledging the difficulty of representing one country while having close ties to another. Meanwhile, Nigerian supporters welcomed the endorsement from the striker, seeing it as a sign of respect and recognition of the Super Eagles’ strength.