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Former Super Eagles and West Brom defender Ifeanyi Udeze has likened South African World Cup defender Ime Okon to Nigerian football legend Taribo West, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okon has shot to prominence over the last two years due to his unique heritage. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, he was eligible to play for two countries. He eventually opted for the latter, and he has quickly moved up through the ranks.
He started by playing for Bafana Bafana in the African Nations Championship, and he is now a nailed-on starter at center-back at the World Cup.
Ime Okon for South Africa. (Photo by Imago) Former Nigeria international Udeze, who was also a defender during his playing days, spoke about Okon before South Africa’s second game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Czech Republic on Thursday, and he was quite complimentary.
”He’s (Okon) a very good player, I’m happy with him,” Udeze said on Sporty TV.
”He has become a key player for Bafana Bafana. He defends very well. Whenever he plays, he is never under pressure.
”Very composed; the way he holds the ball and the way he distributes the ball is class to watch.
”When I watch him play, I see another Taribo West. Very strong, very agile. He’s very intelligent; he can play from the back and link up with the attack.”
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Ime Okon for Hannover 96. Photo by: ImagoxMarco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images West remains one of the best players that Nigeria has produced. At the peak of his powers, he was known for his raw strength, aerial dominance, speed, and technicality. That stature saw him play for the two Milan giants, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
So, for Okon to be compared to the former Super Eagles star is a big compliment.
In reality, Okon has shown some very good qualities. He is strong, solid in aerial situations, and is a very good passer of the ball. But he is definitely not at West’s level yet.
So far at the World Cup, the Hannover 96 man has been one of South Africa’s best players. Perhaps if not for his teammates’ mistakes, they might have won a game.
The fact that he is just 22 means that he can still grow and improve. With his quality, he could probably break into Nigeria’s starting eleven and play alongside Calvin Bassey.
Nonetheless, if players like Benjamin Fredrick, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Emmanuel Fernandez continue to improve, there won’t be any reason to miss Okon.
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