Two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan David Udoh and Kingdom Osayi, have been included in Uganda’s latest recruitment drive as the Uganda Cranes strengthen their squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed on September 27 that the pair are among 20 heritage players identified as potentially eligible to represent Uganda.
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Nine of the 20 players have already joined the Uganda Cranes contingent as part of the federation’s plan to expand its pool of talent ahead of the AFCON 2027 finals.
Udoh, 27, currently plays for Mosta FC in Malta and has a previous international connection with Nigeria. He was part of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, alongside players such as Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
According to FUFA, Udoh is eligible for Uganda through his grandparent, Auma, who was born in Busia, Uganda. The federation says he can undertake a one-time international allegiance switch under FIFA regulations.
Osayi, 22, currently plays for Assyriska FF in Sweden. Born to Nigerian parents, he has a Ugandan connection through his maternal grandmother, who was born in Kaberamaido.
Standing at 1.98 metres, Osayi has been identified by FUFA as a player who can add youth and height to the Uganda Cranes’ goalkeeping department.
The development comes as FUFA implements a wider three-part strategy involving heritage players, improvements to domestic club football and structured youth academies.
The federation said consultants had identified more than 200 professional players worldwide who could be eligible to represent Uganda, with 20 eventually shortlisted for further consideration.
However, the process is not yet complete for every player. FUFA stated that the required engagements and documentation under FIFA regulations and Ugandan law are still ongoing for some of those identified.
For Nigeria, the development puts two goalkeepers with Nigerian football backgrounds on Uganda’s radar, although neither Udoh nor Osayi has yet made a senior appearance for the Uganda Cranes.
Uganda are continuing their preparations for the 2027 AFCON campaign, with the heritage-player initiative forming part of their efforts to strengthen the national team.
