Uganda forward Uche Ikpeazu has opened up on his decision to represent the Cranes instead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Blackpool striker admitted that competition for places in the Super Eagles attack played a major role in his international choice.
The 30-year-old, who recently made his international debut during the September window, addressed the topic of playing against Nigeria and his roots while speaking ahead of Uganda’s Group C encounter with Nigeria.
“Osimhen” – Ikpeazu on choosing Uganda over Super Eagles
Asked how difficult it was to choose Uganda over Nigeria, Ikpeazu was candid in his response, pointing directly to the quality of Nigeria’s attacking options.
“When you’ve got strikers like Osimhen in your position, I think it’s pretty obvious,” he told Soccernet.ng.
The former Cardiff City striker revealed that Nigeria had been an option earlier in his career but believes his eventual path was shaped by timing and purpose.
“I enjoyed playing for Uganda. Obviously, there were earlier stages in my career where Nigeria was an option and things like that, but I think God’s timing is the best,” Ikpeazu explained.
He added that representing Uganda feels natural and meaningful and stressed his commitment to the East African nation.
“I’m here playing for Uganda — it’s my country as well — and I enjoy playing for Uganda,” he concluded.
Watch Uche Ikpeazu’s comment on Osimhen, choosing Uganda here:
Uganda face the Super Eagles today, and it sets up a compelling subplot for Ikpeazu, who once considered Nigeria, prepares to test himself against an African powerhouse led by Victor Osimhen.