The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has identified 20 heritage players eligible to represent Uganda, including two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi. This move is part of a three-fold approach to strengthen the Uganda Cranes, the country's national team. FUFA hired consultants to identify players with Ugandan heritage, compiling a list of over 200 professionals worldwide.
Nine of the identified players, including Udoh and Osayi, have joined the Uganda Cranes squad in camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and an international friendly against DR Congo. The team traveled to Hoima for the crucial qualifier on Sunday. FUFA confirmed that the nine players have arrived and joined the contingent at Marriott Hotel in Kampala.
Akpan Udoh, who won the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria's Golden Eaglets in 2015, is eligible to represent Uganda through his grandparent, Auma, who was born in Busia, Uganda. Despite his success with the Golden Eaglets, Udoh didn't make it into the Super Eagles. His inclusion in the Uganda Cranes squad provides an opportunity for him to revive his international career.
Kingdom Osayi, a 22-year-old goalkeeper, currently plays for Swedish club Assyriska FF. According to FUFA, his maternal grandmother was born in Kaberamaido, Uganda, making him eligible to represent the country. Before joining Assyriska FF, Osayi played for Doma United in the Nigeria Premier Football League, recording 15 clean sheets in 29 appearances.
The recruitment of Udoh and Osayi is part of FUFA's broader strategy to improve the national team's performance. The three-pronged approach includes improving domestic club football, developing structured academies, and identifying players with Ugandan heritage. FUFA is engaging with the identified players and undergoing documentation required under FIFA regulations and national laws.
The inclusion of Udoh and Osayi in the Uganda Cranes squad is expected to boost the team's chances in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and the international friendly against DR Congo. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining its readiness for the tournament.
The move to recruit players with Ugandan heritage has raised interest in the football community, with many stakeholders eager to see the impact of this strategy on the national team's performance. As the team prepares for the upcoming matches, fans will be watching closely to see how the new recruits integrate into the squad and contribute to the team's success.
Key points
- Uganda recruits two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi, for its national team.
- The recruitment is part of FUFA's three-fold approach to strengthen the Uganda Cranes.
- Nine of the 20 identified heritage players have joined the Uganda Cranes squad in camp.
