SOUTH Africa defender Ime Okon has explained why he chose to represent Bafana Bafana ahead of Nigeria, insisting that his loyalty has always been with the country he considers home.
The Hannover defender, who was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, is eligible to represent both nations at international level. However, he has firmly committed his future to South Africa and is currently part of the Bafana Bafana squad competing at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Okon featured prominently for South Africa in their Group-stage encounter against the Czech Republic on Thursday, playing the full 90 minutes as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking in a video shared on Friday by Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the 21-year-old centre-back dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had made significant efforts to persuade him to switch his international allegiance.
According to Okon, his decision was influenced by a deep personal connection to South Africa, the country where he grew up and built his football career.
“I don’t know what to say, but at the end of the day, I know where my heart lies. I have played for South Africa in the COSAFA games and I scored,” he said.
“South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything besides South Africa. That is home.”
When asked whether officials from Nigeria had approached him about representing the Super Eagles, Okon said there had been no serious attempt to convince him to change his international commitment.
“No, not really. But even if they call me, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say,” he added.
The defender’s comments are likely to put an end to speculation surrounding his international future, especially as he continues to establish himself as one of South Africa’s most promising young defensive talents.
Okon has enjoyed a steady rise in recent years and has become an increasingly important figure within the national team setup, earning recognition for his composure, defensive awareness and consistency at both club and international levels.
His emergence comes at a time when South Africa continue to strengthen their squad with a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young players as they seek to make an impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Nigeria, the conversation around Okon’s eligibility comes against the backdrop of the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament. The three-time African champions failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending their absence from football’s biggest stage after also missing the previous edition.
Despite his Nigerian roots, Okon’s position remains unequivocal: South Africa is the country he identifies with most strongly, and the nation he intends to continue representing on the international stage.