Football

AFCON 2025: Three Nigerians set to play for Benin Republic, Uganda

Three players of Nigerian descent are preparing to play for other national teams when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins in Morocco this weekend.

Junior Olaitan, Aiyegun Tosin, and Uche Ikpeazu will represent Benin Republic and Uganda. Their paths to these teams come after personal career choices and international eligibility rules shifted their allegiances away from the Super Eagles.

Junior Olaitan and Aiyegun Tosin are part of the Benin squad. Olaitan was born in Benin to a Nigerian father and a Beninese mother but grew up in Nigeria. The midfielder has already played against Nigeria in several matches.

Aiyegun Tosin was born in Lagos. Like Olaitan, he has a Nigerian father and a Beninese mother. Although he has Nigerian roots, he never played for the Nigerian national team. 

The 27-year-old was called up by Benin in 2022. He recently played against Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, where his team won 4-0.

Uche Ikpeazu was born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother. The forward made his debut for Uganda in September 2025. At this tournament, he is scheduled to face Nigeria, his father’s home country.

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Bisola Aregbesola

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