2026 World Cup: Nigerian name stands out as South Africa’s Hugo Broos announces squad list

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has released his preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the list features a player of Nigerian heritage, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The Bafana Bafana were in the same qualifying group as Nigeria and eventually topped it, forcing the Super Eagles to two consecutive draws.

​Like most teams preparing for the Mundia in the Americas, South Africa announced their squad on Thursday evening. Coach Broos announced a 32-man preliminary squad which features players who are mostly based in the country.

A good number of the players play for Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates, while just a handful of them play in Europe.

There are usual names like Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appolis, and Lyle Foster.

Notably, the team includes one player with Nigerian roots who conspicuously stands out: Ime Okon.

​The 22-year-old center-back is currently on the books of Hannover 96, who compete in the 2. Bundesliga.

Ime Okon: Who is The Nigerian in South Africa’s World Cup Squad?

Ime Okon is a 22-year-old defender who plays for Hannover in the German Bundesliga 2.

He was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother in South Africa, making him eligible to represent either of the two nations. However, he decided to play for the Bafana Bafana, making his debut last year June.

Okon has often expressed his pride at playing for the Bafana Bafana, and he will definitely be hoping to make the final cut.

Coach Broos is expected to announce his final squad of 26 players soon, and Okon is almost sure to make it.

Okon’s decision to play for the Bafana Bafana is not one that would bother most Nigerian fans though, because the Super Eagles have enough cover at center-back.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are still licking their wounds after failing to qualify for a second-consecutive World Cup.