Uganda Cranes recruit two Nigerian-born goalkeepers as Akpan Udoh, Kingdom Osayi switch allegiance
Uganda Cranes have confirmed the recruitment of two Nigerian-born goalkeepers: 27-year-old Akpan Udoh (former Golden Eaglets keeper from Nigeria's 2015 U-17 World Cup-winning squad now with Mosta FC in Malta) and 22-year-old Kingdom Osayi (NPFL product who played for Heartland, MFM, Doma United and Enugu Rangers before moving to Assyriska FF in Sweden's third tier). Both were confirmed eligible by FUFA on Sunday, September 25, 2026 through family heritage - Udoh via a Ugandan-born grandmother (Auma from Busia) and Osayi via maternal grandmother from Kaberamaido.
This represents a loss of goalkeeping talent for Nigeria, though not immediately critical given current Super Eagles options. Udoh's switch requires FIFA clearance due to his youth national team history with Nigeria, while Osayi's is straightforward as he never represented Nigeria at any level. Uganda is actively strengthening their national team by identifying professional players eligible under FIFA regulations, highlighting a broader trend in African football recruitment strategies where nations tap into diaspora talent.
Nigeria still has established international options in Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, plus Arthur Okonkwo recently entering the senior setup and developing NPFL prospects like Ikorodu City's Michael Atata and Sporting Lagos' Ebenezer Harcourt. For Udoh, the move opens a new international chapter after failing to break into Super Eagles despite his Golden Eaglets glory. Osayi gets a chance to begin his senior international career after building through Nigerian domestic football. Neither has played for Uganda Cranes yet pending paperwork completion.