The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Cranes of Uganda in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) Group C game today at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, for Ugandan and St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu, it is a game that sees two parts of him unite to become whole, even though he's on Paul Put's side.
The 30-year-old centre forward was born in Harrow, London, to an Igbo-Nigerian father who hails from Delta State and a Ugandan mother.
Ikpeazu came on in Uganda's clash against Tanzania, scoring in the 80th minute to level the game, and he's hoping to find the back of the net against Nigeria today.
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AFCON 2025: Uganda's Ikpeazu eyes goal against Nigeria's Super Eagles
After over 13 years of professional football, the 30-year-old played his first-ever international game this year. During the September international break, Ikpeazu made his national team debut in Uganda's 4-0 win against Mozambique.
Heading into the final Group C clash against the Super Eagles, Ikpeazu revealed he's very much in touch with his Nigerian heritage, citing Jay-Jay Okocha as one of his football icons.
“I grew up in the era where everyone watched the Premier League, so I really enjoyed watching Jay-Jay Okocha,” the former Cardiff City forward said to Soccernet.ng.
“He was a player I loved watching, and now, obviously, Victor Osimhen is an incredible talent. We don't need to tell him how good he is anyway.
“He's a special, special striker, a very complete striker, you know. I love and respect him a lot,” the half-Nigerian said.
Although he harbours so much respect for Eric Chelle's men, Ikpeazu revealed his job as a Ugandan striker is to put the ball into the back of the net against his father's nation.
“There's an emotional attachment [to Nigeria], but I have an emotional attachment to Uganda as well,” the ex-Middlesbrough forward continued.
“I play for Uganda, so I'll be hoping to beat Nigeria. So, Dad, I'm sorry.
“In football, sometimes, the emotions get the better of you. I don't have any planned celebrations for when I score.
“If I score, it'll be wonderful, but the most important thing is to get the three points.
“I want to play at the highest level possible. I was out for almost a year. I've overcome so many trials and tribulations, so to play at the AFCON is a dream of mine, but I have a lot of desire to progress to the next round.
“I don't want the journey to finish.
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Quizzed about which Nigerian defender he'd like to face, the London-born attacker mentioned he's willing to take anybody on.
“Any of them, to be fair, I know Calvin Bassey is a very physical defender.
“I have a couple of friends who played for Nigeria, and I've seen him play as well, so we'll see.
“It's not just about me, it's about the team as well, so hopefully, we can be effective and try to get the better of them,” Ikpeazu concluded.
Kick-off between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Cranes of Uganda is set for 5:00 PM WAT at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.
