Okon Shuts Down Nigeria Switch Rumours, Declares Full Commitment to South Africa

Hannover 96 centre-back Ime Okon has ended all speculation over his international future, insisting he is fully committed to South Africa despite also being eligible to play for Nigeria. The 21-year-old, born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and Nigerian father, has long been seen as a potential target for the Super Eagles due to his rapid rise in Europe and dual nationality.

Nigeria’s stronger football history and regular AFCON and World Cup appearances had added fuel to rumours, but Okon says there was never any doubt. Speaking on Radio 2000’s Game On, he said, “People always talk, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart is… South Africa is everything to me… even if Nigeria can call me up, SA is home.”

Okon broke into Bafana Bafana’s plans in 2023 and played a key role at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year, scoring against Zimbabwe and featuring in every match as South Africa reached the final.

His reaffirmation comes as coach Hugo Broos prepares to name his AFCON 2025 squad. Okon missed recent World Cup qualifiers through injury but remains highly valued within the team. Meanwhile, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is expected to look elsewhere, relying on defenders such as Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, with several other Europe-based options also in contention.