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.
However, other Siya sources have cast doubt over Nigeria's sincerity in recruiting the boy to play for the West Africans, claiming Nigeria were simply running scared of South Africa, whom they face in a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier in June.
"After they were run ragged by South Africa at the AFCON recently, where they resorted to parking the bus in order to avoid defeat against Bafana Bafana, this development can only mean they are resorting to mind-games in an attempt to frustrate South Africa and the boy," the source said.
The Siya source informed this publication that for a country that does not rate South Africa and boasted of more than 1000 players featuring across Europe, they cannot be sincere in tying down Okon, except to frustrate the player and the country.
"Let them allow the boy and his family to choose which country he wants to pursue his international career without resorting to pressure tactics on the boy and his family to make a decision that he may live to regret," added the Siya source close to the player.
Okon was selected by Hugo Broos in a 36-man squad prior to the AFCON tournament but did not make the cut for the final 23 that won bronze in Cote d'Ivoire.
