NEC FC have been dealt a massive setback early in the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League campaign after influential centre-back Jacob Okao was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious injury.
The club confirmed that the dependable defender ruptured his Achilles tendon during NEC’s 2-2 draw with Police FC at Lugogo on Friday — a devastating blow that came just two games into the new campaign.
“He’s expected to be out for 6–12 months as he begins his recovery journey,” the club announced on Monday.
The injury means Okao is unlikely to feature again this season, with the league scheduled to conclude around May or June 2026.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining for both the player and the club, the surgery was successfully conducted at Case Clinic under the FUFA Medical Insurance Scheme.
Huge void at the back
Okao’s absence leaves a gaping hole in NEC’s backline. The centre-back has been one of the team’s most consistent and reliable performers since their promotion to the top flight.
He was ever-present last season, anchoring NEC’s defence across all competitions — the Uganda Premier League, Uganda Cup, Super 8, and the CAF Confederation Cup. His commanding presence, leadership, and composure at the back were key pillars in NEC’s impressive performances.
Okao’s stellar contributions earned him the club’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2024/25 season, capping off what was a breakout year for the young defender.
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Defensive keystone
With Okao marshalling the defence, NEC enjoyed one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding just 19 goals in 30 matches, the joint second-best defensive tally behind champions Vipers SC, who let in only 15.
NEC’s remarkable run saw them finish second on the 16-team table with 67 points — only two shy of Vipers’ title-winning 69. Alongside Vipers and BUL, NEC also suffered the fewest defeats (3) throughout the season, losing only to Vipers, SC Villa, and Express.
Okao’s injury now forces the Die Hards to rethink their defensive shape as they aim to build on last season’s historic campaign. Replacing his consistency and calm under pressure will be no easy task, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt as the season progresses.
