Ime Okon: ‘South Africa is My Home’ – Defender Has No Regrets Switching Allegiance From Nigeria

Ime Okon: ‘South Africa is My Home’ – Defender Has No Regrets Switching Allegiance From Nigeria

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigerian-born South African international defender Ime Okon has declared that he has no regrets about choosing to represent Bafana Bafana over his country of birth, describing South Africa as his true home.

Okon has emerged as one of the standout performers for South Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, even as the team’s overall campaign has fallen short of expectations. 

The centre-back’s composed displays have drawn praise amid a difficult tournament for the South African side.

In an exclusive interview with journalist Osasuo Obayiuwana, Okon made it clear where his loyalties lie.

“I don’t know what to say, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart lies,” Okon said. 

“I have played for South Africa in the COSAFA games and I scored. South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything besides South Africa. That is home.”

When asked about the possibility of a future call-up from Nigeria, the defender remained resolute.

“No, not really. But even if they call me, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say,” he added.

Okon, who was born in Nigeria but grew up and developed his football career in South Africa, has previously featured for the senior Bafana Bafana team and represented the country at regional level. 

His decision to commit to South Africa has now been publicly reaffirmed at the biggest stage in world football.