Tariq Uwakwe

Tariq Onyedika Uwakwe is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder.

Early life

Uwakwe was born in Islington, London, and is of Nigerian descent.

Uwakwe began his career at Chelsea, after joining at the age of 8, and signed on loan for Accrington Stanley in September 2020. He made his Accrington debut on 8 September 2020, in an EFL Trophy tie against Leeds United U21s, and scored a hat-trick in the process. He made his league debut four days later against Peterborough United, scoring a goal.
On 28 January 2022, Uwakwe joined EFL League One side Crewe Alexandra on an 18-month contract, and made his debut in Crewe's 1–0 league defeat at Gillingham on 1 February 2022. On his fifth appearance for Crewe, against Oxford United, he suffered a knee injury, ruling him out for several weeks. He scored his first Crewe goal in a 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town on 18 February 2023. At the end of the season, he was offered a new contract by the club, but on 30 June 2023, it was announced he was leaving Crewe by mutual consent.

On 4 August 2023 he signed for Swindon Town.
In September 2024, he joined National League side Maidenhead United on a short-term loan deal. On 3 March 2025, he returned to the National League, joining Aldershot Town on loan for the remainder of the season.
On 9 May 2025, Swindon announced the player would be leaving in June when his contract expired.

Uwakwe has represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 youth levels.