AFCON 2025: Khumalo Reacts to Ikpeazu’s Uganda Decision as Ndidi Urges Super Eagles to Stay Focused

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Former South Africa captain Bongani Khumalo has expressed surprise at striker Uche Ikpeazu’s decision to represent Uganda instead of Nigeria ahead of the decisive Group C encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ikpeazu, who was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, was eligible to play international football for three nations. However, his choice to commit to the Uganda national team caught many observers off guard, particularly those who believed he would eventually wear Nigeria’s green and white.

Speaking as part of SuperSport’s AFCON punditry team, Khumalo revealed that he had previously discussed Ikpeazu’s international background with the forward.

“I remember speaking with him about his Nigerian and Ugandan roots,” Khumalo said. “That’s why I’m quite surprised he ended up playing for Uganda. I honestly thought Nigeria would be his choice.”

Ikpeazu is now set to come face-to-face with his father’s homeland when Uganda take on Nigeria in Fez on Tuesday. Despite Uganda’s difficult position in the group, the striker has made it clear that the Cranes intend to give a strong account of themselves against the Super Eagles.

While Ikpeazu’s personal storyline has attracted attention, Nigeria’s camp remains fully focused on maintaining momentum. Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed any suggestion that qualification for the knockout stages has led to a drop in intensity.

Speaking ahead of the match, the Leicester City midfielder said the squad remains upbeat following consecutive victories over Tanzania and Tunisia but warned against taking their opponents lightly.

“The mood in the camp is very positive,” Ndidi said. “The confidence from the last match is there, but our attention is completely on the next game.”

Ndidi also addressed comparisons with Nigeria’s early exit at the 2021 AFCON, stressing that the current squad is not burdened by past disappointments.

“We are not thinking about 2021,” he said. “This is 2025. Our focus is only on what lies ahead.”

The Super Eagles skipper further highlighted the pride and responsibility of representing Nigeria at the continental level, describing it as a major source of motivation for the players.

“It’s a huge honour to represent over 200 million Nigerians,” Ndidi added. “Wearing the national colours is a privilege, and everyone in this team wants to give their best.”

Despite already securing a place in the next round, Ndidi insisted that the team’s attention remains firmly on the clash with Uganda.

“We are not looking beyond this match,” he said. “Our focus is Uganda, and that’s where it stays.”

The Group C fixture between Nigeria and Uganda is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30.