SuperSport United player Ime Okon could play for South Africa ahead of Nigeria Super Eagles after an invitation to the Bafana Bafana.
South Africans are in a celebratory mood following the invitation of SuperSport United’s defender Ime Okon to the national team, Bafana Bafana.
The Rainbow nation has moved in quickly to beat Nigeria Super Eagles to the highly-rated youngster after a shock invitation by manager Hugo Broos.
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Broos has made public his 36-man squad for their next international engagement with the SuperSport teenager a surprise inclusion.
Okon’s brief
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The 18-year-old was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and South African mother.
Okon started his football journey at Randburg Football Club where he spent five years before making the move to Absa PL giants SuperSport.
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The talented stopper was scouted by coach of the side Gavin Hunt, who brought him to United in November last year according to Idiski times.
Despite being eligible to play for South Africa and Nigeria through his parents, it seems South Africa has won the battle for the defender.
Reaction to Okon’s move
Speaking on the invitiation, chairman of his former club, Randburg, Kevin Mudie, is a happy with the decision.
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Per the Diski Times report, Mudie noted that the invitation of his former player was a necessary one as there were suggestions that Super Eagles could come for him.
“He could’ve had the choice to play for either,” Mudie began. “I’m very, very happy as a South African but sorry Nigeria but he’s chosen to be with Bafana Bafana.”
“And long may that future continue, and it’s a wonderful statement that he’s made so early in his career. He’s nailed his colours to the mast so to speak and we are very chuffed about that.”
Okon, who has already played four matches for SuperSport in all competitions this season, will report to the national team when the Bafana Bafana regroup for international friendlies agaianst Namibia and DR Congo.
Meanwhile, the 36-man squad was finally reduced to 23 on Wednesday with Okon conspicuously missing from the defender's names.
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