Saints striker Uche Ikpeazu admits it would be a dream come true to pull on the colours of Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations this festive period.
AFCON, or the Africa Cup of Nations, is the main men’s international football tournament for national teams in Africa, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The tournament this year runs from December 21 until January 18 and Uche is set to be involved for Uganda as they get underway tomorrow against Tunisia.
“It has been an amazing time with Uganda so far,” Uche explained. “When I went over the first time after my first call-up, I didn’t really get much game time.
“The competition in the forward areas is really strong, but that pushes me on to be a better player too.
“Overall, it has been an amazing opportunity, and it has helped me to evolve as a player. I feel I have managed to take my game up a notch.
“Getting my first goal (against Chad) was amazing. I was so proud. It meant so much to me. When I found out I was starting that game I was actually so nervous. It has been a wonderful experience overall.”
Looking ahead to potentially representing Uganda at AFCON, Uche continued: “It would honestly be the most amazing thing ever. I grew up watching AFCON.
“I watched my idols like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Mo Salah play in the competition. These are my idols so to walk in their footsteps would be amazing.
“I have a lot of memories of the competition so to actually be involved in it, it would be hard to put it into words.
“I think it would be great for the club as well having a player playing at the tournament. It would reflect great on St Johnstone.”
Game time for Saints has been hard to come by for Uche this season, but despite featuring mainly from the bench, the 30-year-old has netted four times over the course of the campaign.
“I have to appreciate the team has been doing well,” explained Uche. “I obviously feel I should have had more game time but that is football.
“It is not just about me, it is about the team. It has been difficult at times, but I just need to keep on working hard.
“I feel at times I could have helped the team more. But I am ready for whenever I am called upon.”
