Former Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo has expressed surprise at St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu's decision to commit his international future to Uganda rather than wait for an opportunity to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Born in London, Ikpeazu was eligible to play for Nigeria and England before making a cap-tying appearance for the Cranes during a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Mozambique in September 2025.

The forward had previously been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Former Dream Team VI coach Samson Siasia invited him to a Nigeria U23 training camp in December 2014, raising expectations that Ikpeazu could eventually feature for the three-time African champions.

Of the three nations he was eligible to represent, the Super Eagles were understood to be Ikpeazu’s first choice, but despite the player's interest, he was never selected at senior level.

Former Watford teammate Odion Ighalo also encouraged him to commit his international future to Nigeria, but with time and age no longer on his side, the Scottish-based striker accepted a call-up from Uganda.

Reflecting on their time together at Doncaster Rovers, Khumalo admitted he did not expect Ikpeazu to opt for Uganda.

Speaking on SuperSport, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Khumalo said: "I actually was with him at Doncaster Rovers when he was a youngster and I remember speaking to him, Nigerian and Uganda parents.

"So I’m quite surprised that he obviously turned out for Uganda because I thought he would have definitely pushed for Nigeria."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel