The Uganda Cranes are on a quest to make history as the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers enter their final stretch. With a spot in the world’s premier football tournament within reach, the team is fully focused on securing qualification.
At the heart of the defense is Jordan Obita, a skilled defender with a dream of representing Uganda on the global stage. Currently second in the group, the Cranes need to capitalize on their remaining fixtures, with Algeria leading the table.
The collective ambition to reach the World Cup is palpable, fueling the players’ motivation and team spirit. Obita, who formed a solid partnership with Elio Capraddosi, played a key role in the team’s back to back wins with clean sheets against Mozambique and Somalia last September, keeping Uganda’s qualification hopes alive.
The soft spoken defender, who plays for Hibernian FC in Scotland, shared his insights with FUFA Communications.
Who is Jordan Obita?
I am Jordan Obita. I was raised in Oxford, England and grew up playing football. I joined the Reading Academy at eight and spent 18 years there, making my professional debut at 16 and becoming a regular first-team player by 18. Football has always been my passion as my dad taught me from the age of four, and it is all I have ever dreamed of. Being a professional footballer was not just a goal; it was my only aspiration.
Obita on his first Visit to Uganda
My first time in Uganda was incredible. I was excited to visit my dad’s homeland, and it exceeded my expectations. The country is beautiful and the people are incredibly welcoming. I flew into Entebbe and was struck by the vibrant atmosphere in Kampala. I am eager to return and share this experience with my family, my wife and three young children would love it here.
Warm welcome by teammates
Obita expressed appreciation for the welcoming nature of the players on the team noting that they speak good English which facilitates communication. However, he harbours a personal interest in learning Luganda, a local language, to connect more deeply with the culture and surprise his teammates. I would love to learn some Luganda, though it would be fun to surprise my teammates. My family is from Gulu and while I know a few words of Acholi, learning Luganda would be a great way to connect with the culture.
On the world cup qualification prospect
Our chances for World Cup qualification are high. We are second in the group and if we win both our remaining games, we could potentially take first place. We need to stay positive and focused.
Our team is striving to achieve the best we can, and with no fears, we are in a good position. Playing in the World Cup is every player’s dream and I am hopeful we can make it happen.
Obita on the AFCON 2027 Outlook
Expressing strong anticipation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco, the soft spoken defender emphasised the potential to surprise many with their performance whilst acknowledging the difficulty of the group which includes strong teams like Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbouring Tanzania.
Despite the challenges, there is a hopeful tone about qualifying from the group and delivering a memorable experience for Ugandan fans, fulfilling long held aspirations.
I am looking forward to the AFCON 2025 games and the tournament. I really think that we can surprise a lot of people. Our group is going to be tough. But, you know, football is never easy. So, it is very nice that we can be playing top teams such as Nigeria, Tunisia and also our neighbours, Tanzania. I am looking forward to it. I hope we can do really well and qualify out of the group. It would be amasing for our country. I hope that we can give the fans everything that they have been dreaming of for a very long time.
Obita on Opportunities for players and challenges in African Football
Obita reflected on the technical capabilities observed in the Uganda Cranes squad, specifically referencing on the squads from the friendlies played in Morocco and the most recent World Cup qualifiers.
He noted that technical skill is prevalent among African players, but the primary challenge lies in access to scouting and opportunities to join European or UK teams.
I have seen some fantastic technical skill in the Uganda Cranes squad. The challenge for African players is getting scouted and joining European or UK teams. In the UK, opportunities come quickly, but in Africa, it is a lot more difficult. Players have to work harder to get noticed.
On his defensive partnership with Elio Capraddosi
Elio and I played together in Morocco, so we have a great understanding. We are both experienced players who love defending and are very organised. Our communication is excellent and we work well together. We have had some great results recently, and I am looking forward to continuing our partnership.
Thank you to Ugandans for the support
He went on to express deep gratitude to Ugandans for their continuous support and encouragement urging them to keep showing up in large numbers and maintain their belief in the team.
To all Ugandans, thank you for your support. Keep coming to the games and believing in us. We will do our best to put on a good performance and make you proud. I look forward to seeing you at every game.
