Ime Okon makes World Cup debut for South Africa against Mexico. The 22-year-old defender chose Bafana Bafana over Nigeria despite Nigerian father.
Ime Okon, the 22-year-old defender born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, made his FIFA World Cup debut for South Africa against Mexico. Despite a tough 2-0 loss, he remains focused on the tournament ahead.
Ime Okon don officially make im FIFA World Cup debut for South Africa, as the 22-year-old defender start for Bafana Bafana against Mexico for the tournament opener. The Hannover 96 player, wey don already represent South Africa five times, line up for the crucial Group A clash at the Estadio Azteca.
Okon, wey be born for Johannesburg to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, don make im national team allegiance clear. Despite calls from some quarters for am to play for Nigeria, the young defender choose South Africa, the country where e grow up. Former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo even tok say Okon "even speaks Afrikaans," further proving im South African identity.
The World Cup debut no go sweet for Okon and im teammates, as South Africa lose 2-0 to the co-hosts. The match turn into nightmare for Bafana Bafana, with two red cards making the task even harder. Okon, wey dey play for Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96, admit say the result spoil the occasion.
"Yeah, I think it was a good season, yes, and today also, I think it's not a debut I'd want to remember at the World Cup," Okon tok afta the match . Despite the disappointment, the 22-year-old remain positive about the team's chances. "I think we just need to keep fighting. We trust each other. All of us worked so hard to be here and, yeah, it's on to the next one," e add.
Okon, wey move from SuperSport United to Hannover 96 for 2025, don quickly rise through the ranks. As e be now, the young centre-back don show say e belong for the biggest stage, even though the result no go im way. South Africa go now face South Korea and the Czech Republic for their remaining Group A matches, and Okon don emphasize the need to stay positive. "We have to keep looking forward and stay positive," e conclude.
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