Uganda bring Nigerian goalkeepers Udoh and Osayi into heritage-player plan

Uganda have begun integrating two Nigerian goalkeepers, Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi, into a national-team recruitment programme focused on players with Ugandan heritage. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations said consultants had reviewed more than 200 professionals playing around the world. From that group, 20 players were identified as possible additions to the Uganda Cranes.

FUFA said nine of the 20 players had already arrived in camp at a hotel in Kampala ahead of a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya and an international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Udoh is eligible through his grandparent, Auma, who was born in Busia, Uganda, according to FUFA. He was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015 and started all of Nigeria’s matches during that title-winning campaign.

Osayi is eligible through his maternal grandmother, who FUFA said was born in Kaberamaido, Uganda. The 22-year-old goalkeeper plays for Swedish club Assyriska FF and previously represented Doma United in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Before leaving Doma United in 2024, Osayi recorded 15 clean sheets in 29 appearances, according to the supplied report.

Udoh did not progress into Nigeria’s senior national team. FUFA said the recruitment forms part of a broader strategy involving national-team preparation, domestic club development and structured academies. The federation added that engagement and documentation required under FIFA regulations and national laws were still ongoing for the remaining players.