KCCA forward Shafik Nana Kwikiriza has rejoined the Uganda Cranes squad ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualification match against Congo Brazzaville on Tuesday, November 19, at 7 PM EAT.
The 20-year-old, who had previously opted to focus on his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams, was absent for the Cranes’ 2-0 loss to South Africa last Friday.
Kwikiriza’s decision to prioritize his studies over national team duties was made with the support of his family, club, and FUFA officials, and received widespread approval.
Now with a break in his UACE schedule until November 29, the talented midfielder has seized the opportunity to rejoin the Cranes for the pivotal match.
Kwikiriza is a Senior Six student at Jinja Progressive Secondary School.
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put, who had backed Kwikiriza’s earlier decision to focus on his exams, expressed confidence in the young player’s ability to make a significant impact in the upcoming game.
Following their defeat to South Africa, Uganda slipped from the top of Group K and now faces the challenge of defeating Congo while hoping South Africa fails to secure a win against South Sudan, in order to reclaim the group’s top spot.
A victory for Uganda would also secure their return to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for the first time since 2019, with the 2025 AFCON set to take place in Morocco.
