Uganda signs two Nigerian goalkeepers

Uganda is boosting their national team by signing two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations found them among 20 players with Ugandan roots who can play for the country.

FUFA said they hired consultants to find players with Ugandan heritage. They looked at over 200 professionals playing worldwide. From that list, they picked 20 players for possible inclusion in the Uganda Cranes.

Nine of these players, including Udoh and Osayi, have already joined the team in camp. They are preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and a friendly match against DR Congo.

“To strengthen the Uganda National Teams, FUFA is using a three-part plan for both the short and long term,” the Ugandan federation said on their official website.

“As part of the plan for the Uganda Cranes ahead of the AFCON 2027 Finals, FUFA will use the AFCON Qualifiers to find and build teamwork among the best Ugandan footballers.”

“FUFA can confirm that nine of the identified players have arrived and joined the Uganda Cranes at Marriott Hotel in Kampala. They are getting ready for the flight to Hoima for the crucial AFCON 2027 Qualifier against Libya and the upcoming international friendlies against DR Congo during this FIFA window.”

The team set off on Sunday for the match against Libya.

According to FUFA, Udoh is eligible to play for Uganda through his grandparent, Auma, who was born in Busia, Uganda. He played all the matches when Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015, but he did not make it to the Super Eagles.

Osayi made his name in the Nigeria Premier Football League with the now-defunct MFM before he moved to Doma United. His maternal grandmother was born in Kaberamaido, Uganda, as stated by FUFA.

The 22-year-old is currently playing for Swedish club Assyriska FF. Before leaving Doma United in 2024, Osayi had an impressive record with 15 clean sheets in 29 games.

FUFA mentioned that this recruitment is part of a wider strategy. This strategy also aims to improve club football in Uganda and build better academies.

They also added that they are still working on getting the necessary engagements and documentation for the other identified players according to FIFA rules and national laws.