News

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.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Share
Published by
Adefolahan Guerreiro

Recent Posts

Watch: Chukwueze infects Rafael Leao with Wizkid fever as he vibes to ‘Kese’

AC Milan star Rafael Leao was recently seen vibing to Kese, Wizkid’s latest track, introduced… Read More

21 minutes ago

“He can still play this year” – Boniface’s boss Alonso offers hope amid speculation of year-ending injury

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s injury,… Read More

6 hours ago

“He needs to decide” – Former Liverpool winger weighs in Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has called on Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen, to make… Read More

7 hours ago

Bright Osayi-Samuel free to negotiate January pre-contract amid Fenerbahçe uncertainty

Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, could negotiate a pre-contract with any club of his choice… Read More

10 hours ago

Deliver results to avoid criticism – Ex-Nigeria International to Eguavoen

Former Super Eagles and Enyimba International midfielder, Duke Udi, has sent a message to Augustine… Read More

11 hours ago

Report: Juventus eye Super Eagles striker as possible Vlahovic replacement

Former Italian Serie A champions Juventus could sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen if Dusan… Read More

11 hours ago