BURSLEM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Nathan Smith of Port Vale celebrates scoring his team's opening goal with teammates during the Sky Bet League One between Port Vale and Barnsley at Vale Park on February 14, 2023 in Burslem, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Port Vale striker gets International call-up for World Cup qualifiers
Port Vale striker Uche Ikpeazu has been included in the Uganda squad for their next two World Cup qualifier fixtures.
Ikpeazu has 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.
The striker has almost made the 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.
Port Vale recently confirmed that the striker, who netted once in 26 appearances last season, is in contract talks with the club. Ikpeazu is in his second spell with the club having totalled seven goals in 54 games.
