South African international Ime Okon has completed a move to German second-tier side Hannover 96, joining on a four-year contract following the expiry of his deal with Supersport United.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, had previously trialled with Danish club FC Midtjylland and Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv.
However, it was Die Roten who secured his signature as they look to bolster their defence ahead of the new 2. Bundesliga season.
Okon expressed his excitement at the move, stating:
“I’m very happy to be signing with Hannover 96. I’m very excited about this challenge of being able to play in Germany.
I’m really looking forward to the club, wanting to become a better player and mature as a person.”
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A fast, left-footed and physically imposing defender, Okon is determined to help Hannover return to the Bundesliga, after the club narrowly missed out on promotion last season.
Ime Okon with Hannover 96 Director of football. Photo Credit: X
Hannover 96 Managing Director Marcus Mann praised the youngster’s potential, saying:
“Ime is a player with exciting potential and very good physical attributes. It’s quite clear that he will need time to adapt, but he is extremely willing to learn.”
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Club scouts, led by head coach Christian Titz and assistant André Kilian, had tracked Okon’s development for some time before finalising the signing.
Ime Okon of Hannover 96. Photo Credit: X
Okon recently made his international debut for South Africa in the 2025 COSAFA Cup. Though he remains eligible for Nigeria, the Johannesburg-born defender has long hinted his heart lies with Bafana Bafana.
“South Africa is all I know. I’m pretty much South African, but I am also proudly Nigerian, Growing up, it was a big thing in my family to one day play for Bafana Bafana.”
Hannover will hope their new signing quickly settles in and adds steel to their backline as they continue their quest to return to Germany’s top flight.
