“I’m pretty much South African” – Nigeria-eligible Midtjylland-linked defender pledges national allegiance to Bafana Bafana

SuperSport United centre-back, Ime Okon has revealed his preferred choice of national team to represent between South Africa and the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The promising 20-year-old defender was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to a Nigerian father, meaning Okon has the option to represent either the Bafana Bafana or the Super Eagles

He was on trial with FC Midtjylland a year ago and is still linked with the Danish side with a future move in the works.

Nonetheless, the young lad has revealed his ultimate dream of playing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts.

“The whole Nigerian thing, I have Nigerian family, I speak to those from Nigeria, and they also say even if people pressurise me, I must make a choice that I must be happy with.

I grew up here, everything I know is South African you know. For them, they wouldn’t be touched if I played for Bafana. South Africa is all I know. I can barely speak the native Nigerian language, but I know my roots.

I’m pretty much South African, but I am also proudly Nigerian as much as I am proudly South African, but playing for Bafana, it’s been a dream, it’s a big thing, my mom always said, ‘one day Bafana Bafana! You know?

So, it’s been a big thing for my family, growing up to be in a Bafana jersey would be great,” the Matsatsantsa academy graduate said in an interview with iDiski Times.

Okon was promoted to SuperSport's senior team in July 2023, and his impressive displays has seen him capture the attention of Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos leading to an inclusion in the preliminary squad for the friendly matches against Namibia and DR Congo in September last year, although he didn't secure a spot in the final squad.