Uganda Invite Two Nigerian Goalkeepers as Heritage Players for AFCON Campaign

Uganda have moved to strengthen their national team by identifying two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi, among a group of heritage players eligible to represent the Uganda Cranes.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations said its consultants identified more than 200 professional footballers of Ugandan heritage playing around the world. From that pool, 20 players have been identified for possible integration into the national team.

Nine of the 20 players, including Udoh and Osayi, have already joined the Uganda squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and an international friendly against DR Congo.

FUFA said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy designed to strengthen Uganda’s national teams in both the short and long term.

The federation explained that the 2027 AFCON qualifiers would provide an opportunity to identify talented Ugandan players and build cohesion ahead of the tournament.

The squad travelled on Sunday ahead of the crucial qualifier against Libya.

Udoh, who was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, is reportedly eligible to represent Uganda through his grandparent, Auma, who was born in Busia, Uganda.

The goalkeeper started all of Nigeria’s matches during their victorious campaign but never progressed to the senior Super Eagles.

Osayi, meanwhile, developed his career in the Nigeria Premier Football League with the now-defunct MFM before joining Doma United. According to FUFA, his maternal grandmother was born in Kaberamaido, Uganda.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Swedish club Assyriska FF. Before leaving Doma United in 2024, Osayi recorded 15 clean sheets in 29 appearances.

FUFA said its heritage-player recruitment programme is part of a three-pronged approach that also includes strengthening domestic club football and establishing structured academy development.

The Ugandan federation added that engagement with the remaining identified players is continuing, with the necessary documentation and eligibility procedures being handled in accordance with FIFA regulations and Ugandan laws.