Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu expressed his delight after taking part in his first training session with the Uganda Cranes at Namboole Stadium ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The forward, who returns to the national setup after previous setbacks, described the moment as long overdue.
‘Yeah, it feels good. It has been a long time coming because every time I have been caught up, I have had a situation, maybe injuries or last time there was COVID. So to finally obviously be here with the national team, obviously being in Uganda, because I have not been here for almost two decades, it is amazing. So yeah, I am excited,’ Ikpeazu told the media.
The Scotland-based striker joined his teammates for his first session on Monday and said the experience was both refreshing and important for team bonding.
‘Obviously, there was a lot of travelling yesterday, but I feel good now. I have got the first training session out of the way and it was good team bonding to be with the boys as well. I think to build that chemistry is important. So yeah, I am happy. I feel good. I feel fine.’
Ikpeazu emphasised that representing Uganda is a privilege and pledged to give his best for the team.
‘Playing for your national team is a privilege. Like I said, I have not been here for a while. So this is my country. This is where I’m from. It is a privilege to be in the position to want to represent your nation. So yeah, I am relishing it. And of course, there is going to be expectations and I want to be able to be the difference and help the team in any way to help us move forward.’
The forward also revealed that he has been closely following the Cranes in recent months and is eager to adapt to the team’s style under Coach Paul Joseph Put.
‘I have seen, I have watched a couple of games prior to me coming here. I have seen some highlights and I have been trying to understand the way we play and how the coach wants us to play. So yeah, it is been really good. I have seen the stadium packed.’
As camp progresses, twenty-three out of the thirty summoned players are so far in camp. They include Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu and Toby Sibbick.
