Nigeria is rumoured to be eyeing Ime Okon
Ime Okon is one of superSport United’s most promising Bafana Bafana prospects, but could he get snatched up Nigeria instead?
SuperSport United have several future Bafana Bafana stars on their books. Is one of them going to represent Nigeria instead?
NIGERIA WANT TO TURN POTENTIAL BAFANA BAFANA STAR’S HEAD
20-year-old Okon has become a fixture in the SuperSport United defence alongside Siyanda Xulu and Thulani Hlatshwayo with 18 league appearances this term. He has a Nigerian father and is eligible to represent the Super Eagles. Because he’s yet to play four matches for the senior side, he can still switch allegiance. Andre Arendse believes this would be a huge shame were that to happen. This is not a new issue, however, with Goal reporting on this back in October 2023.
“I know I’m not putting pressure on him because he can handle the pressure, he’s starting to prove it in games, we need to look after him. And you spoke about dual citizenship, we better be careful we don’t lose him, he’s one for the future,” he continued.
“I know what I’m talking about, I had the privilege of playing behind some of the best defenders in South Africa – I don’t even need to mention names, you guys know who I’m talking about and I’m telling you now in a few years time he’s going to be up there and even better than those ones.”
According to iDiski Times, Okon is being monitored by Danish side FC Midtjylland.
OKOM IS THE REAL DEAL
Ime Okon has made 27 appearances for Matsatantsa since being promoted from the Diski Challenge side. In October 2023, we called Okon one of the five most talented teenagers in South Africa as he continued to produce formidable partnerships with both Siyanda Xulu and Thulani Hlatshwayo. He was in the starting XI which beat Richards Bay to book a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with 18-year-old superstar Shandre Campbell bagging a brace. Gavin Hunt has some seriously talented youngsters in this squad.
“Ime Okon is the next one [like Ronwen Williams] of that radar and I don’t want to hype him up and put it out there to say he’s the best because he’s 20 years old I think, maybe for a few months 19, but he’s a super talent, a super talent,” Arendse said about the defender whose been on the fringes of the Bafana Bafana team.
Where does Okeon’s future lie? Let us know in the comments section below.