Ime Okon: South Africa keen to secure allegiance of 20-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender

The South African Football Federation are keen on getting young SuperSport United central defender to choose the Bafana Bafana over the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

Okon, 20, has become a figure in the SuperSport United defence alongside Siyanda Xulu and Thulani Hlatshwayo with 18 league appearances this season, helping the team to third place on the PSL table, but they're thirteen points behind Mamelodi Sundowns.

Okon was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, making him eligible to represent the Super Eagles. Okon himself has revealed his openness to represent either nation.

“South Africa is a country I was born and bred in, but Nigeria knows is my home where my dad is from. It's very tough to make, but I feel like whenever the opportunity comes I'll take it with both hands. I spoke to Coach Thabo in September he also advised me that I should just keep my options open. I'd say for now it's better with South Africa because with Hugo Broos he sees us around. With Nigeria, it'll be quite tough, but I just do my best to also get a call up there,” Okon told Goal in 2023.

In a report published by The South African, Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Andre Arendse believes it would be a huge shame to watch Okon switch to play for Nigeria.

“I know I’m not putting pressure on him because he can handle it. He’s starting to prove it in games, we need to look after him. About dual citizenship, we better be careful we don’t lose him, he’s one for the future. I know what I’m talking about, I had the privilege of playing behind some of the best defenders in South Africa – I don’t even need to mention names, you guys know who I’m talking about and I’m telling you now in a few years he’s going to be up there and even better than those,” the 56-year-old told Goal in quotes revealed by the South African.

According to iDiski Times, Okon is being monitored by Frank Onyeka's former club in Denmark, FC Midtjylland. He has racked up 27 appearances for Matsatantsa since being promoted from the Diski Challenge side.

Should Okon choose to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, it will be a major boost and addition to the squad, so they can be properly integrated, as William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo enter into the closing stages of their career.