Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon has moved decisively to end ongoing speculation about his international future, insisting his commitment to South Africa has never been in doubt, Footynaija.com reports.
The 21-year-old, born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and Nigerian father, has long been eligible for both Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s stronger football pedigree, including three AFCON titles, six World Cup appearances and Olympic gold, has often fuelled suggestions that he might switch allegiance. South Africa are also former African champions after winning the AFCON on home soil in 1996.
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Okon first declared his intention to represent South Africa last year, but renewed rumours resurfaced after his rise in Germany’s Bundesliga 2.
Speaking on Radio 2000’s Game On, he repeated his stance with clarity, saying: “People always talk, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart is.”
He added: “I played for South Africa at the COSAFA Cup and I scored (against Zimbabwe) and South Africa is everything to me… even if Nigeria can call me up, South Africa is home, that’s all I have to say.”
” Abantu bahlezi bekhuluma but I know where my heart is” – German-based defender Ime Okon clarifies his international ambitions #Radio2000 pic.twitter.com/7rmrR3UM1D
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Okon has been named in several provisional squads and impressed during this year’s COSAFA Cup, playing every match as South Africa reached the final. His performances earned praise from national coach Hugo Broos, who is expected to announce his final AFCON 2025 squad soon.
The defender, who recently withdrew from World Cup qualifiers due to injury, remains hopeful of being included.
