The race for the international future of 18 year old defender Ime Okon has been won by South Africa following a first time call up to the team for their upcoming friendly games as part of their preparations for next year Africa Cup of Nations, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Coach of the team Hugo Broos named a 23 man squad for the games and Okon who plays for Premier South Africa League side SuperSport United, where he made his breakthrough this season.
Comfortable as a centre back or defensive midfielder, the 18 year old has only played four games this season, but did enough to catch the attention of the coach, who have now handed him a chance to seal a spot ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifiers in November.
Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, he could yet line up for the Bafana Bafana against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2026 world cup qualifiers with both teams in the same group.
Although even if he plays in the games , Okon who is largely seen as one of the brightest prospect in South Africa youth football can still switch to Nigeria as both games are not competitive.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
