With over 300 professional games to his name, Jordan Obita’s experience and versatility have become a valuable asset for Hibernian FC. But recently, he has emerged as something even more critical: the cornerstone of the Uganda Cranes’ defense.
Born in Oxford, England, on December 8, 1993, Obita’s journey began at Reading’s Academy. He evolved from a central midfielder into a dynamic left-back, a position where he broke through and became Reading’s Player of the Season in 2013/14. After establishing himself as a Championship regular, he now plies his trade in the Scottish Premiership with Hibernian.
However, it is on the international stage where a new chapter is being written. After representing England at various youth levels, Obita switched his allegiance to Uganda in 2025. His impact was immediate and transformative.
Making his official home debut at a packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on September 5, 2025, Obita was instrumental in Uganda’s emphatic 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Mozambique. In a tactical shift, he was deployed not as a full-back but in a central defensive role, partnering Elio Capradossi.
The partnership was an instant success. Obita displayed remarkable composure, expert game reading, and sharp decision-making, snuffing out attacks both on the ground and in the air. His performance was so commanding that it drew comparisons to the legendary Ibrahim Sekagya, with many fans and pundits hailing the Obita-Capradossi duo as the long-missing link in Uganda’s backline.
Their solidity was undoubtedly a crucial factor in the clean sheet and the commanding win, immediately boosting Uganda’s qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup.
With a home fixture against Somalia next, Obita is expected to retain his spot. The bigger tests, however, come in October with tricky away fixtures against Botswana and Algeria. Coach Paul Put will be relying heavily on Obita and his defensive partner to replicate their stellar form, as their understanding and stability could be the key to Uganda’s chances of reaching the global stage.
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