National Teams
Nigeria-eligible Ime Okon confirms commitment to South Africa ahead of AFCON 2025
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon has reaffirmed his commitment to representing South Africa at international level, despite remaining eligible to play for Nigeria.
Okon, a promising young centre-back, has insisted that his allegiance has remained consistent since entering the national team picture. He first drew attention from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos in 2023 and has since become one of South Africa’s most promising defensive prospects.
Earlier this year, Okon played a pivotal role in South Africa’s COSAFA Cup campaign, scoring against Zimbabwe and featuring in every match as the team reached the final.
“People always talk, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart is,” Okon told Radio 2000’s Game On segment.
“I played for South Africa at the COSAFA Cup and I scored (against Zimbabwe) and South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything else besides South Africa, it’s where home is, even if Nigeria can call me up, SA is home, that’s all I have to say.”
Okon’s declaration comes as Broos prepares to announce his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Although he missed recent World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda due to injury, he remains highly rated within the national setup and is expected to feature prominently in the coach’s plans.
