Ime Okon Profile, Stats and Career Overview
Ime Okon is a South African centre-back who plays for Hannover 96. Born on 20 February 2004 in Johannesburg, Okon is a right-footed defender known for aerial presence, defensive positioning, tackling and ball recovery.
Career Progression
Okon started his senior career with SuperSport United after progressing from Randburg FC and the SuperSport United reserve setup. His first senior seasons included league football in the PSL, domestic cup appearances and CAF Confederation Cup involvement.
During the 2024/25 season, Okon continued with SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership. He also appeared in domestic cup football and scored in cup competition, building his senior reputation before moving abroad.
In July 2025, Okon joined Hannover 96. At Hannover, he has competed in the 2. Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, adding European league experience to his South African top-flight and continental background.
Playing Style
Okon operates as a centre-back. His role includes defensive marking, aerial duels, clearances, covering central spaces and short passing from defence.
His strengths include aerial presence, defensive positioning, tackling, clearances, ball recovery and right-footed distribution. He gives his team a defender who can compete physically, defend the box and support structured build-up from the back.
What Ime Okon Can Bring to the 2026 World Cup
Ime Okon could bring centre-back depth, aerial strength and European match experience to South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad. His current form with Hannover 96 shows a defender gaining regular minutes in Germany’s second tier while adding goals from set-piece and defensive situations.
His strengths suit tournament football because he can help South Africa defend crosses, win aerial duels, clear danger and keep structure in central defensive areas. His right-footed distribution can also support build-up play when South Africa need to play out from the back.
If selected, Okon could offer South Africa a young centre-back with senior experience in South Africa, CAF competition and German football. His defensive profile adds physical presence and squad depth for high-pressure international fixtures.
International Career
Okon represents South Africa at senior level. His senior international involvement adds another defensive option to the national team setup, with his experience in South Africa and Germany giving the squad a centre-back exposed to different levels of football.