“Health challenges” – Port Vale striker pulls out of International squad

Uche Ikpeazu has pulled out of Uganda’s squad for their next two World Cup qualifier fixtures.

Ikpeazu had been included for Uganda’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria. Paul Put’s team is set to face Botswana on June 7 and Algeria on June 10.

However, Ikpeazu has now been replaced in the squad by Nelson Senkatuuka reports the local media with Ikpeazu dropping out due to “health challenges”.

It is not clear what is meant by the phrase – “health challenges” – whether it is a football-related injury, a fitness issue or some other ailment.

The striker has dropped out of the Uganda squad on two previous occasions. Ikpeazu was called up to the Uganda squad by head coach Johnathan McKinstry for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in March 2020, but the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. McKinstry’s successor, Milutin Sredojević, attempted to call him up in April 2022 but Ikpeazu wanted to stay in Wales and try and fight for his place in the Cardiff City team.

Ikpeazu is in demand this summer. Set to be out of contract, he is negotiations with the club about a new deal while media reports in Scotland have linked St Johnstone with a potential move for the striker.