The dream of Ime Okon representing South Africa at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations took a drastic hit after he was omitted from the final list of 25 players for the tournament picked by Hugo Broos, OwnGoalNigeria.com.
Broos included the 21 year old in his preliminary list of 55 players for the tournament, putting to rest speculation about the player’s commitment to playing for South Africa after his previous comments on wishing to play for Super Eagles.
Born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and Nigerian father, has long been eligible to represent either Bafana Bafana or the Super Eagles.
Okon made it clear in 2023 when he got his first invitation to the senior national team of South Africa that his preference is Bafana Bafana, but some fans still weren’t convinced.
Speaking on Radio 2000’s Game On, Okon reaffirmed his commitment, stating that he is South African and intends to continue representing Bafana Bafana.
“People always talk, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart is,” Okon in an interview two days ago.
“I played for South Africa at the COSAFA Cup, and I scored, and South Africa is everything to me.
“I don’t know anything else besides SA. This is home, even if Nigeria can call me up, SA is home, that’s all I have to say.”
Despite that the Hannover 96 defender who made his mark in South Africa with SuperSport United, before his move to Germany didn’t make the final list of players.
