In a surprising turn of events, the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, has left out defender Ime Okon from its final squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 20-year-old, who chose to represent South Africa over Nigeria, will not be traveling to Morocco for the tournament.
Broos Makes Tough Selection Calls
Head coach Hugo Broos finalized his 25-man roster, making significant cuts from an initial 54-player preliminary list. The announcement came well ahead of the Confederation of African Football's deadline of December 11. Among the 29 players omitted, the exclusion of Okon and veteran midfielder Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns has generated the most discussion.
Okon, who plays for German second-division club Hannover 96, was born in Johannesburg to a Nigerian father and a South African mother. He had been a regular feature for Bafana Bafana in 2025, although injuries affected his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a missed match against Nigeria that ended in a 1-1 draw.
International Future Still Bright for Okon
Despite the disappointment of missing the continental showpiece, the young defender's international career is far from over. At just 20 years of age, he has many years ahead to compete in major tournaments for South Africa. His commitment to Bafana Bafana is now permanent, as his appearance in official matches has rendered him ineligible to switch back and play for the Nigerian Super Eagles.
South Africa, seeking its first AFCON title in three decades, will begin its Group Stage campaign on December 22 against Angola. They will then face heavyweights Egypt on December 26 before concluding the group phase against neighbors Zimbabwe on December 29.
Complete Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 Squad
The final squad selected by Hugo Broos is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (both Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (both Pirates), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Tylon Smith (QPR, England).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal).
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium).
Standby reserves: Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns), Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC).
In related news, Nigeria's Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has delayed announcing his preliminary squad for the tournament. Reports indicate he is conducting final checks on player fitness before submitting his list to the Nigeria Football Federation.
