Following their uncharacteristic 2-0 loss to Mali in the FIFA Series last week, Nigeria has upped the ante in attempts to persuade SuperSport United’s 20-year-old central defender Ime Okon to pledge his allegiance to the West Africans, even though some football experts are doubting their sincerity in the courtship.
Okon, who qualifies to represent both South Africa and Nigeria, has had a breakout season with Matsatsantsa a Pitori, featuring in 27 matches so far this season, where he has been a solid presence alongside former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatswayo.
These outstanding performances have attracted the attention of the Nigerian Football Federation, who this week sent former Super Eagles goalkeeper Idah Peterside to dissuade the youngster from pledging his international career to South Africa but with his “fatherland” Nigeria. Peterside confirmed to the Siya crew that he was indeed on a two-week “mission” in South Africa to convince Okon to choose the Super Eagles over Bafana Bafana.
