Uganda player, Uche Ikpeazu has said that playing against Nigeria will be very emotional for him, since his dad is from the West African country.
Ikpeazu, who will come against his fatherland later on Tuesday in the final Group C game of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, however, said he is determined to concentrate on helping his national team, the Cranes of Uganda, win an important game.
The player, whose dad is from Nigeria, said that the next game has a special meaning for him, but he would always show his commitment and dedication on the field.
“You know Nigeria, that’s where my dad is from. Of course, there will be some emotional connection, but I also have a strong emotional link to Uganda, and I play for Uganda,” he told reporters ahead of the game.
“I hope to beat Nigeria, so dad, I’m sorry.”
Ikpeazu, whose dad is from Delta State, said he was happy about scoring against Tanzania, calling the goal a big help for the team.
“I guess you want to win the game, so if I could win without scoring [against Nigeria], that would be best for me.
“But listen, we all know that we have to play against Nigeria.
“In football, sometimes your feelings can make you act without thinking, so I really don’t know. I will see how things go, but I don’t have any planned celebration. If I score, that would be great, but the most important thing is to get the three points.”
A win for Uganda would keep their chances of moving on to the next stage alive, especially if the game between Tanzania and Tunisia ends in a draw.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles want to stay away from losing so they can keep their position at the top of the group as they move on to the knockout stage.
