South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has once again named young defender Ime Okon in its provisional squad and the decision has set off fresh debate about his future.
Okon, just 20 years old, plays in Germany for Hannover 96 after rising through the ranks at SuperSport United. Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother, he has yet to play a senior game for either country.
His talent has thrilled many South African fans, but others fear he could switch to Nigeria, who already have a long list of star defenders. Nigerian fans have even joked that they are “donating” players like Okon to South Africa.
Bafana legend Andre Arendse has warned the team not to waste time:
“Okon is a top defender, but if we are not careful, Nigeria will take him.”
Coach Hugo Broos has called him up before, but he never made the final cut. With his reputation growing in Europe, this could be the moment South Africa finally secures him or risks watching him line up in Nigeria’s green and white.
