Cranes Blend Experience and Youth for Tough Group C Clash with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.

Uchechukwu Ikpeazu

Uganda coach Paul Put has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), featuring Nigerian-descended forward Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, as the Cranes gear up for their return to the tournament after a six-year absence, according to Sportblits.com.

Ikpeazu’s Inclusion Highlights Nationality Switch

The 30-year-old St. Johnstone striker, born in London to a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, earned his first official cap for Uganda in September following a nationality switch in 2021. Ikpeazu aims to secure a spot in the final 28-player roster.

The Cranes arrived in Morocco on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, including two friendlies ahead of the squad finalization.

Squad Mix: Veterans, Teens, and In-Form Stars

Put, whose contract was extended to 2028, combined seasoned players with emerging talents:

  • Goalkeepers: Veteran Denis Onyango headlines four shot-stoppers.
  • Defense: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Jordan Obita, Abdu Azizi Kayondo, and SC Villa captain David Owori.
  • Midfield: Led by Khalid Aucho.
  • Attack: Mato Rogers (15 goals in 17 games for FK Vardar) reinforces the line; returns for Baba Alhassan and Melvyn Lorenzen after strong November friendlies.
  • Youth Call-Up: Teenager James Bogere earns his maiden senior invitation following impressive FIFA U-17 World Cup displays in Qatar.

Group C Challenge in Morocco

Drawn in Group C with Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia, Uganda faces one of the tournament’s toughest pools. The 2025 AFCON runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco—the Cranes‘ first appearance since 2019.

Uganda kicks off against Tunisia on December 23, followed by matches against Nigeria and Tanzania.

Under CAF‘s updated rules, Put must trim the squad to 28 players—potentially dropping just two, though adjustments may vary based on strategy.

With the camp underway, Ikpeazu and the Cranes are poised to make a statement in Morocco.