World Cup 2026: Why I chose to play for South Africa over Nigeria – Ime Okon

South Africa defender, Ime Okon has revealed wherefore helium chose the South African federation implicit Nigeria.

He besides refuted claims that helium was approached by those successful complaint of Nigerian shot to alteration his planetary allegiance, emphasizing that his transportation with South Africa was the cardinal crushed for his committedness to Bafana Bafana alternatively of the Super Eagles.

The Hannover defender, who was besides eligible to play for Nigeria, is presently a subordinate of South Africa’s squad participating successful the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup successful the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Okon played the afloat 90 minutes arsenic South Africa fought to a 1-1 gully against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

In a video shared by Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, the centre-back stated wherefore helium is representing South Africa, insisting the SA squad has ever been his preferred option.

Okon said, “I don’t cognize what to accidental but astatine the extremity of the day, I cognize wherever my bosom lies. I person played for South Africa successful the COSAFA games and I scored.”

Asked  astir whether Nigeria had made attempts to transportation him to change his planetary allegiance, Okon rejected the idea, affirming that determination had been nary superior overture from the three-time African champions.

“Not really, South Africa is my home. That’s what I person to say,” helium disclosed.

The nonaccomplishment of the Super Eagles to suffice for the 20...