Emmanuel Okwi retires from international football
Okwi's best year came in 2013, when he netted five goals in just 10 appearances for Uganda. He also had a standout performance at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring two vital goals against DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
Ugandan footballer Emmanuel Arnold Okwi has officially announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious 16-year career with the Uganda Cranes. Okwi, 32, confirmed the news on his social media pages, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and for the memories created along the way.
During his career, Okwi earned 95 caps for Uganda, scoring 28 goals, the most by any Ugandan footballer. He featured prominently at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), netting two goals—one against DR Congo and another against Zimbabwe. His leadership skills were also on display after he was named captain following the retirement of goalkeeper Denis Onyango in 2021.
Okwi’s journey with the Cranes began in 2009, and since then, he has been a key player for the national team. Reflecting on his international career, Okwi said, “Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream that came true. Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling, and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honour.”
He also expressed excitement for the future of Ugandan football, citing the upcoming CHAN tournament in East Africa later this year and the AFCON 2027 as pivotal moments for young footballers to shine. “An exciting new era for Ugandan football is coming up with East Africa hosting the CHAN later this August and subsequently the AFCON 2027 with many young footballers coming up.”
In his heartfelt statement, Okwi thanked his family, fans, and coaches, especially Bobby Williamson, who handed him his debut. “I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players,” Okwi concluded.
At club level, Okwi currently plays for Rwanda’s AS Kigali, with a career spanning several top clubs including SC Villa, Simba SC (Tanzania), Young Africans (Tanzania), Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia), SonderjyskE (Denmark), Al Ittihad (Egypt), Al Zawra’a, and Erbil SC.
Okwi’s career began at SC Villa in 2008 before moving to Tanzanian giants Simba SC in 2009 for US $40,000. His sharp eye for goal quickly made him a standout player. Okwi’s move from Simba SC to rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) sparked protests in Tanzania, adding fuel to the fire of his already high-profile career.
Okwi’s best year came in 2013, when he netted five goals in just 10 appearances for Uganda. He also had a standout performance at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring two vital goals against DR Congo and Zimbabwe. Okwi’s last international goal came on 29th March 2022, when he scored in a 2-4 loss to Uzbekistan during the 2022 Nowruz Cup.
