Arafat Nkoola is always a man of moments.
For much of the 2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar, the 20th edition of the annual international men’s youth tournament staged in the Aspire Zone, the Senior Four student of St Mary’s SS Kitende was a quiet figure in Uganda’s frontline. But when the Cubs needed someone to rise to the occasion, Nkoola delivered, even if Uganda bowed out to Burkina Faso 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Nkoola, who grew up in the fishing village of Katosi in Mukono District, before being discovered in Kaliro District, had featured only sparingly earlier in the tournament.
He came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 loss to Canada, replacing Isima Magala but barely imposing himself.
Against Chile, he was introduced in the 57th minute for John Asiimwe as fellow substitute Derrick Ssozi struck a late equaliser in a spirited 1-1 draw.
He then earned a starting berth in the 1-0 win over France, lasting 76 minutes before being replaced by Enock Bagenda. Yet few would have predicted that his biggest moment was still to come.
With star forward James Bogere suspended for Tuesday’s decisive clash with Burkina Faso, coach Michael Kabali, who first spotted Nkoola in Kaliro before later coaching him again at St Mary’s Kitende, said he knew the stage was set.
‘Nkoola is one of those boys who may look quiet, but when the moment demands courage, he steps forward. I have always trusted him because I have coached him since he was very young. I knew this was his night to show the world what he carries inside,’ Kabali said.
Nkoola repaid that trust with a composed finish in the 56th minute to hand Uganda the lead. But Alassana Bagayogo struck in the 77th minute to take the game to penalties, where the West Africans held their nerve to advance.
Speaking after the match, the teenager described the experience as both uplifting and painful.
‘It was bittersweet. Scoring at the World Cup is a dream, but losing on penalties hurts. Still, I feel privileged to play on such a big stage. It gives me confidence and inspires me to work even harder to achieve more,’ he said.
Nkoola, who?
A B student who scored a second grade in his PLE at Rays of Grace, Nkoola’s journey has been one of steady rise and defining contributions.
He scored the first goal for Rays of Grace Junior School in the inaugural 2019 FUFA Odilo National Championship, a 2-1 victory over Citizen Primary School.
After joining the Rays of Grace Academy in Njeru in 2017 alongside Ibra Ssebagala, Simon Wanyama, Ratiib Gulanyago, Dissan Mwebe and Leonard Kasaanya, Nkoola quickly established himself as one of the brightest young forwards.
He emerged top scorer for Uganda at the 2022 Cecafa U17 Championship in Ethiopia with four goals, though the Cubs missed Afcon qualification after a penalty shootout loss to Somalia.
At club level, he scored a brace to guide the Vipers Junior Team to this season’s FUFA Juniors League title at Kadiba Stadium and was named MVP.
He has also been a standout in schools’ football. As one of the Rays of Grace Academy graduates, he helped St Pontiano Ngondwe qualify for the USSSA Ball Games in Arua for the first time in 27 years, scoring three goals.
A year later, after moving to St Julian Seeta, he shone again, scoring a brace against Mt St Henry’s in the U16 Mukono Zone semi-finals and four goals at the Ball Games II in Kabale.
In 2024 and 2025, he featured for St Mary’s SS Kitende, scoring twice in the national championships in Ngora.
Kabali says Nkoola’s brilliance is far more beyond scoring goals.
‘People talk about numbers, but with Arafat it’s more than that. His teamwork, discipline and his big heart are what make him special. That’s why he performs when it matters,’ the Kitende coach said.
Uganda at the 2025 U-17 W. Cup
Group Stage – Group C
Uganda 1-2 Canada
Uganda 1-1 Chile
Uganda 1-0 France
Finish: 4 points, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
Round of 16
Uganda 1-1 Burkina Faso (lost 5-3 on penalties)
Scorer: Arafat Nkoola
Overall Record: 1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss
Goals For: 3; Goals against: 4
Note: This was Uganda’s first-ever appearance at any Fifa tournament.
Nkoola at a Glance
Name: Arafat Nkoola
Born: Kaliro District
Date of birth: Dec. 28, 2008
Position: Forward
Club: Vipers JT
School: St Mary’s Kitende
Joined Rays Academy: 2017