‎ By Kenneth Madaki

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‎South Africa defender, Ime Okon, has explained that he chose to represent the Bafana Bafana ahead of the Super Eagles because South Africa is everything to him.

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‎Okon, who insisted that his loyalty has always been with the country he considers home, was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.

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‎The Hannover defender, who is eligible to play for both countries, is part of Bafana Bafana at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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‎He played the full 90 minutes in South Africa’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday.

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‎In a video shared by Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, on Friday, Okon dismissed suggestions that Nigeria had made efforts to persuade him to switch his international allegiance.

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‎The centre-back said his decision was driven by his strong connection to South Africa.

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‎“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.

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‎“South Africa is everything to me. I don’t know anything besides South Africa. That is home,” Okon said.

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‎Asked whether Nigeria had approached him about representing the Super Eagles, Okon said there had been no serious attempt to convince him to switch allegiance.

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‎“No, not really. But even if they call me, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say,” he added.

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‎The 21-year-old has emerged as one of South Africa’s promising defensive talents and has continued to feature prominently for the national team.

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‎Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending their absence from the tournament after also missing the previous edition.