Ime Okon: South Africa based defender expresses interest to play for Nigeria

By Saheed Afolabi

Super Sport FC defender, Ime Okon has indicated interest to play for Nigeria at international level.

Okon was born in South Africa to Nigeria parents and he’s eligible to play for the Bafana Bafana as his country of birth. Okon is in his debut season in the PSL and was promoted in the summer by Gavin Hunt to the first team.

The 19-year-old fullback discarded pressure of playing for Nigeria but he’s open to the opportunity it will bring.

Okon said it’s a tough decision to choose from between Nigeria and South Africa but he’s options are still much open.

“I just don’t want any pressures, but I just keep my mind open to both and whatever comes first then we’ll see what happens because it’s quite a tough decision for me. Okon told SABC.

“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’ve spoken to coach Thabo September he also just advised me that I should just keep my options open, and whatever comes I should just take the opportunity.”