2026 WCQ: Injury Hits Bafana Bafana Camp, Star Defender Ruled Out Of Nigeria Clash

2026 WCQ: Injury Hits Bafana Bafana Camp, Star Defender Ruled Out Of Nigeria Clash

Sampson Adedeji

South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have suffered a setback as defender Ime Okon has been ruled out of the upcoming fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Okon, who features for German side Hannover 96, picked up a muscle injury during their 2-1 league win over Holstein Kiel at the weekend. The 21-year-old was forced off in the 77th minute and replaced by Hendry Blank.

In his absence, Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has earned a late call-up to the squad as head coach Hugo Broos looks to bolster his options.

Okon, who is of Nigerian descent, is expected to make his return to action by mid-September 2025.