Paul Put explains Noble Okello’s absence from Uganda squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Uganda coach Paul Put has explained why Noble Okello will miss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana, revealing that logistical difficulties surrounding the midfielder’s recent trip to Canada influenced the decision.

Okello is among the notable absentees from the Uganda squad, with Put confirming that the player will not be involved in the upcoming training camp.

Speaking about the situation, the Belgian coach disclosed that he had personally discussed the matter with the midfielder before deciding against including him in the squad.

According to Put, Okello experienced complications during his previous visit to Uganda and was subsequently quarantined in Canada. The player only returned to his club a few days ago, making another trip for the national team camp difficult.

The coach explained that calling him up would have exposed him to the possibility of going through the same procedure again.

“I had a conversation with him (Okello), and he had some issues during his last visit here. He was quarantined in Canada and only returned to the club a few days ago. Calling him up for this training camp would mean he would have to go through the same procedure. We discussed it with him, he understood the situation, and we hope to be able to count on him for the March matches next year,” said Put.

Put’s comments suggest that Okello remains part of his plans for the future, with the coach hoping to have the midfielder available for Uganda’s international commitments in March next year.

The Uganda manager also addressed the absence of two other players, Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi and Souleymane Diaby, who have yet to complete the necessary administrative requirements to represent the national team.

Both players featured during Uganda’s friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, but their involvement in the upcoming competitive fixtures remains on hold.

Put explained that their applications to change their sporting nationality are still awaiting approval from FIFA.

The two players must therefore wait for the governing body’s validation before becoming eligible for selection by Uganda.

Their situations present another selection challenge for Put as he prepares his team for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

With Okello unavailable because of logistical concerns and Debohi and Diaby still waiting for FIFA approval, the Uganda coach will have to work with the players currently eligible and available for the matches against Botswana.