Not borrowed, not adopted; just South African: New Bafana Bafana star Ime Okon’s story of belonging, pride and footballing merit

Ime Okon entered the world in South Africa, to a South African mother and Nigerian father, making him as authentically South African as any of his teammates. Though some have cast doubts, Okon himself has been unequivocal: donning the Bafana Bafana jersey was never a difficult choice. 

This sense of pride is echoed in coverage condemning attempts to gatekeep his identity. One IOL opinion piece titled “Stop the xenophobia: Ime Okon is proudly South African” argues there is no place for such divisive mentalities and emphasizes that he is rooted in South Africa on every level - cultural, personal and national.  

Moreover, his outright rejection of any Nigerian overture reinforces that his loyalty lies with his birthplace and upbringing, not external pressures.

Okon’s situation isn’t unique - international football is full of players representing nations of their birth or heritage, with dual backgrounds enriching team identities. Think of France’s Kylian Mbappé, born and raised in France to Cameroonian and Algerian parents. He was never contested as French but embraced as such at every level of the sport. 

In fact, the 2018 French World Cup-winning squad was composed almost entirely of players with immigrant backgrounds or parental heritage from other countries; less than 13% were entirely of native lineage. 

This reality underscores football’s evolving fabric, where heritage enriches national teams rather than diluting them. It’s a reminder: what matters on the international stage is talent, dedication and love for the game.

Okon’s path isn’t defined by controversy, it’s shaped by hard work and growth. He emerged from SuperSport United, impressing domestically before securing a move to Hannover 96 on a four-year deal in 2025.  

Since his arrival in Germany, Okon has begun to find his rhythm. He scored his first goal for Hannover in a 3–1 win over Magdeburg and his Bundesliga 2 debut was marked by robust defensive displays and technical poise. 

His career trajectory, from local clubs to European professional leagues, is rooted in performance and steadily climbing the ranks on merit alone.

Okon’s international journey began at the 2025 COSAFA Cup, where he made his debut on 4 June and netted his first goal three days later against Zimbabwe.  

Standing alongside his teammates, Okon spoke candidly about his unwavering choice to represent South Africa: “It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent… This is what I’ve always wanted. I’m really happy. … Hopefully, I can get many more call-ups in the future.” 

His grounded reflection and the warm welcome he described reflect both his comfort within the squad and the broader football community’s embrace.

Okon’s journey invites us to reconsider how national identity is defined in modern sport. His story cuts through prejudiced narratives, replacing them with a celebration of talent, pride and belonging. In doing so, he reinforces that national representation is rooted not in genetic lineage, but in love for the country, commitment, and collective spirit. 

As South Africans follow his progress in Germany and on international duty, Okon is becoming more than a player, he’s a living symbol of who can wear the jersey and what it truly means to belong. 

PSL page

Bafana Bafana news

Ime Okon news