South Africa defender Ime Okon has dismissed suggestions that he was approached to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, insisting that his deep connection with South Africa was the decisive factor behind his commitment to Bafana Bafana.
The Hannover defender, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, is currently part of South Africa's squad at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Okon played the entire 90 minutes as South Africa battled to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, a result that kept Bafana Bafana's hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Speaking in a video shared by Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the centre-back explained why representing South Africa was always his preferred choice.
Responding to criticism that his decision was influenced by Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup, Okon maintained that his heart had always been with South Africa.
“I don't know what to say but at the end of the day,” Okon said. “I know where my heart is. I have played for South Africa in the games in COSAFA and I scored.”
When asked whether Nigeria had attempted to convince him to change his international allegiance, Okon dismissed the notion, insisting there had been no serious approach from the three-time African champions.
“Not really, South Africa is my home. That's what I have to say,” he revealed.
Nigeria's hopes of featuring at the global tournament ended in disappointment after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the qualification playoffs held in Morocco.
The failure means Nigeria missed the tournament for a second successive edition, having also failed to qualify for the previous tournament, extending an unwanted streak for a nation that made its World Cup debut in 1994.
Adeyemi Adewale
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