Hannover defender Ime Okon reaffirms commitment to South Africa amid Nigeria nationality switch links

Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon has reaffirmed commitment to the South African national team, ending speculation about a possible Nigeria switch.

The 21-year-old, born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and Nigerian father, has long been seen as a potential target for the Super Eagles due to his rapid rise in Europe and dual nationality.

Despite Nigeria’s strong football history and regular AFCON and World Cup appearances, the enterprising center-back has affirmed commitment to the Bafana Bafana, insisting South Africa is home.

“People always talk, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart is… South Africa is everything to me… even if Nigeria can call me up, SA is home” he said on Radio 2000’s Game On.

Okon broke into Bafana Bafana’s plans in 2023 and played a key role at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year, scoring against Zimbabwe and featuring in every match as South Africa reached the final.

His reaffirmation comes as coach Hugo Broos prepares to name his AFCON 2025 squad. Okon missed recent World Cup qualifiers through injury but remains highly valued within the team.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is expected to look elsewhere, relying on defenders such as Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey, with several other Europe-based options also in contention.