South Africa defender, Ime Okon, has reaffirmed his commitment to Bafana Bafana, saying he has never considered representing Nigeria despite being eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his father.
The Punch reported that the 21-year-old centre-back, whose mother is South African and father Nigerian, is currently part of South Africa’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup being staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Okon featured for the entire match as Bafana Bafana played out a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
Speaking in a video shared by Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Friday, the Hannover defender made it clear that his international future lies with South Africa, a country he says has always been home to him.
“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.
“South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything besides South Africa. That is home.,” Okon said.
The defender also dismissed claims that Nigeria had actively pursued him in a bid to secure his services at international level.
“No, not really. But even if they call me, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say,” he added.
Okon has established himself as one of South Africa’s emerging defensive prospects and continues to earn regular opportunities with the national team.
His comments come as Nigeria remain absent from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for the tournament, marking a second consecutive edition that the Super Eagles will miss.
