South Africa defender Ime Okon has revealed that his decision to represent Bafana Bafana instead of Nigeria was driven by a deep personal connection to the country he calls home, while also suggesting there was little effort from Nigerian football authorities to change his mind.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who qualifies for both nations through his Nigerian father and South African mother, is currently representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Okon played the full match in South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Czechia on Thursday, further underlining his growing importance to Hugo Broos’ side on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking in comments shared by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the Hannover defender dismissed suggestions that he faced a difficult choice between the two countries.
“I don’t know what to say, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart lies,” he said.
Having previously represented South Africa at youth level and featured in the COSAFA Cup, Okon explained that his attachment to the country was built on far more than football.
“South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything besides South Africa. That is home.”
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When asked whether Nigeria Football Federation had attempted to convince him to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles, the defender suggested there had been no meaningful pursuit.
“No, not really. But even if they call me, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say.”
While his declaration leaves little doubt that South Africa remained his preferred choice, the revelation that there was no serious approach from Nigeria may reignite debate about the NFF’s strategy for identifying and engaging dual-national talents early in their development.
Nigeria have enjoyed notable successes in recruiting players eligible for multiple countries in recent years, with several current Super Eagles stars choosing the three-time African champions over other international options. Yet Okon’s emergence serves as a reminder that the competition for elite talent across the global Nigerian diaspora remains intense.
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South Africa are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria are watching from afar after failing to qualify for a second consecutive edition. As Bafana Bafana continue their campaign in North America, one of their most promising young defenders is a player who could also have been eligible to wear green and white.
