FUFA has identified 20 professional footballers worldwide eligible to represent Uganda,

Asante Sports

 

FUFA has identified 20 professional footballers worldwide eligible to represent Uganda, following a scouting exercise that compiled over 200 potential heritage players.

 

According to FUFA, nine have arrived at the Marriott Hotel, Kampala, to join the Uganda Cranes ahead of their flight to Hoima for the crucial AFCON 2027 Qualifier against Libya and international friendlies against DR Congo.

 

The players include:

 

1. Abdoulaye Sissako (28) – Midfielder, Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Former France U18/U19 international, with Ugandan roots through his grandmother from Kampala.

 

2. Akpan David Udoh (27) – Goalkeeper, Mosta FC, Malta. 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner with Nigeria; eligible through his grandmother from Busia.

 

3. Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi (25) – Defensive midfielder/centre-back, Raków CzÄ™stochowa, Poland. Ugandan roots through his maternal grandmother from Majanji.

 

4. Souleyman Diaby (26) – Left-back, FC Winterthur, Switzerland. His maternal grandfather hails from Masaka.

 

5. Vula Arnold (27) – Forward, Beerschot VA, Belgium. His paternal grandmother was born in Pakwach.

 

6. Noble Okello Ayo (26) – Defensive/central midfielder, Lexington SC, USA. Ugandan Lango heritage; former Canada international with two senior caps in 2020, eligible for a FIFA-approved switch.

 

7. Nathan Asiimwe (21) – Right-back/winger, Salford City, on loan from Charlton Athletic. London-born to Ugandan parents.

 

8. Kelvin Owusu Boateng (26) – Striker, Austria Vienna. Ghanaian-born with Ugandan ancestry through a grandparent.

 

9. Kingdom Osayi (22) – Goalkeeper, Assyriska FF, Sweden. Nigerian-born, with Ugandan roots through his grandmother from Kaberamaido. Stands.

 

FUFA’s heritage-player initiative forms part of a three-pronged strategy to strengthen the national teams.