South Africa have been stunned by a confession from highly rated 19 year old defender Ime Okon on his international future despite getting his first call up to the senior national team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mothers making him eligible for both countries, Okon was selected for Bafana Bafana‘s preliminary squad in September for their friendly games against Namibia and DR Congo. He however didn’t make the final list of 23 players for the game.
The Supersport defender, who has played seven out of eight league games for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) side this season, is however not ruling out a switch to Nigeria, if the opportunity presents itself.
“I just don’t want any pressure, but I just keep my mind open to both and whatever comes first then we’ll see what happens because it’s quite a tough decision for me. South Africa is a country I was born and bred in, but Nigeria is my home where my dad is from”, he was quoted as telling
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) by Soccer Laduma.
“It’s very tough to make, but I feel like whenever the opportunity comes I’ll take it with both hands.
“I’d say for now it’s better with South Africa because with Hugo Broos he sees us around. With Nigeria, it’ll be quite tough, but I just do my best to also get a call up there.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman