Ime Okon: Former Super Eagles Star Peterside Idah Tells Defender to Ignore South Africa for Nigeria

Ime Okon: Former Super Eagles Star Peterside Idah Tells Defender to Ignore South Africa for Nigeria

Babajide Orevba
March 29, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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Ime Okon
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  • Ime Okon has received call-ups to the South African national team, but he is eligible for Nigeria
  • The SuperSport United star, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian dad, has been impressive
  • A former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah has urged the defender to choose Super Eagles

Former Nigerian international Peterside Idah has urged promising talent Ime Okon to consider playing for the Super Eagles.

Ime, who was born in South Africa, was named in Bafana Bafana's 50-man provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Although the 20-year-old did not make the final 27-man list to the continental showpiece, he is still on Hugo Broos' radar.

Ime Okon, Nigeria, South Africa, Super Eagles, Peterside Idah, SuperSport United
Ime Okon has been urged to play for Nigeria. Photo Credit: @AfricaFactsZone.
Source: Twitter

Okon, born to a Nigerian father, has yet to earn his debut for the national team.

The SuperSport United star gained promotion to the senior team under coach Gavin Hunt last summer and now Idah is rooting for him to play for Nigeria.

The star is undecided about his future as he is still eligible to play for South Africa or Nigeria at the senior level.

Okon earlier disclosed that he does not want to be pressured about his future, saying it will be a tough decision for him.

He told SABC, as per Leadership:

“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 the country I was born and bred in, but Nigeria now is my home where my dad is from. 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.”

Luis Diaz dumps Spain for Morocco

Sports Brief earlier reported that the African football scene was recently shaken by the news of Brahim Diaz switching allegiance from the Spanish national team to play for Morocco.

The talented Real Madrid attacker, who has been in outstanding form since returning to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, was expected to be a key player for coach, Luis De La Fuente’s team in the upcoming international window.

However, to the surprise of many, the 24-year-old announced his decision to represent the Moroccan national team instead of Spain.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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