He represented England at under-17 and under-20 youth levels, before making his senior international debut for Canada in 2021.
Early life
Ugbo was born in Lewisham, Greater London,[2] to Nigerian parents.[3] He moved to Canada with his family when he was four or five.[4] In Canada, he played youth soccer with Brampton East SC and Woodbridge Strikers,[5] winning an international under-10 tournament at Disney in 2008 with the latter.[6]
In 2015, he signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, but continued to play for the U17 through U23 sides.[7] On 17 July 2017, Ugbo signed a season-long loan deal with Barnsley.[8] On 5 August 2017, Ugbo made his debut off the bench against Bristol City which resulted in a 3–1 loss.[9] He scored his first professional goal on 26 August against Sunderland.[10] On 3 January 2018, Ugbo's loan spell with Barnsley was terminated, following a lack of game time.[11]
The next day, Ugbo joined League One club Milton Keynes Dons on loan for the remainder of the 2017–18 season.[12] On 6 January 2018, Ugbo made his debut for the club, featuring in a 1–0 third round FA Cup away victory over Queens Park Rangers.[9]
In August 2021, he signed a permanent deal with Belgian club Genk.[17][18] He made his first competitive appearance on 29 August against Anderlecht as a late substitute for Paul Onuachu and scored on his debut, netting the game-winner in a 1–0 victory.[19]
Troyes
In January 2022, Ugbo joined Troyes of Ligue 1 on loan.[20] He made his debut for Troyes on 13 February, playing the full 90 in a 5–1 defeat to Brest.[21] In Ugbo's third game for Troyes against Rennes on 20 February, he scored his first goal.[22] In August 2022 Troyes announced they had reached a deal with Genk over the permanent transfer of Ugbo, signing him on a four-year deal until 2026.[23]
In July 2023, Ugbo joined Championship club Cardiff City on a season-long loan deal.[24] The next month on 6 August, Ugbo made his debut for Cardiff against Leeds United and had a goal and an assist in an eventual 2-2 draw at Elland Road.[25]
On 11 January 2024, he was recalled from Cardiff City and sent on loan to Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.[26][27] He made his debut in the 2–1 defeat against Coventry City on 20 January coming off the bench.[28] His first goals for the club came against Birmingham City on 9 February 2023, scoring a brace.[29] After scoring 5 goals in 5 games in February 2024, he was nominated for the Championship Player of the Month.[30]
Sheffield Wednesday
On 8 August 2024, Ugbo returned to Sheffield Wednesday after his loan spell the previous season, signing for an undisclosed fee.[31][32] He made his return in the EFL Cup against Hull City, coming on late to help his side win 2–1.[33] His first goal on his return was in the following round against Grimsby Town.[34]
International career
Ugbo was eligible to represent England (through birth), Canada (through youth residency), and Nigeria (through his parents).[35]
England
Ugbo has represented England at under-17 and under-20 level.[36] In June 2017, Ugbo represented England U20 at the 2017 Toulon Tournament, scoring the only goal in their 1–0 opening group stage match against Angola and converted a penalty kick in the shootout of the final against Ivory Coast, helping his side win the title.[8][37]
Canada
In September 2021, he announced that he had decided to change his international allegiance to Nigeria.[38][39] However, two months later on 4 November, he instead switched his international allegiance to Canada.[5][40] The next day he was called up to the team for that month's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Costa Rica and Mexico.[41] He made his international debut for Canada in the match against Costa Rica on 12 November, appearing as an 83rd minute substitute.[42] In November 2022, Ugbo was named to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[43]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 11 January 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
