AFCON: Ikpeazu celebrates Uganda call, becomes first in club history to reach tournament

Uganda forward Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru has expressed heartfelt gratitude and pride after being named in the Cranes’ 30-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament due this month in Morocco.

 

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Sharing his emotions on Instagram, the powerful St. Johnstone striker described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream:

“Grateful and blessed to be named in the Uganda Cranes squad for AFCON. Growing up, I watched some of my idols compete in the tournament, and irrespective of the challenges and setbacks, to now be part of it and in the process becoming the first player in the club’s history to feature in this competition is truly special. Let’s go to work.”

Ikpeazu’s call-up comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying preparations under head coach Paul Joseph Put, who on Sunday flew out with a 17-man advance contingent to Morocco to kickstart the training camp.

The Cranes technical team featuring assistant coach Fred Muhumuza, who recently left Vipers SC to focus fully on national duty is expected to assemble the full squad in phases as players arrive from their respective clubs abroad.

St. Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has also given Ikpeazu the green light to report to camp earlier than expected, affirming the club’s flexibility and support for his AFCON ambitions.

Ikpeazu’s inclusion not only strengthens Uganda’s frontline options but also marks a historic moment for his Scottish club, as he is set to become the first player in St Johnstone’s history to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Uganda targeting a strong showing in Morocco, Ikpeazu’s hunger, experience, and emotional connection to this milestone add significant firepower to the Cranes’ quest.

For the striker, this call-up is more than just football, it is a dream realized, a journey of resilience and a moment etched in national and club history.

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