Ime Okon: Top-rated star eligible for Nigeria & South Africa heads to Ukraine for Dynamo Kyiv trials

SuperSport United defender Ime Okon is poised to take the next step in his promising career as he heads to Ukraine for trials with Dynamo Kyiv, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old is reportedly seeking his first European move, with Kyiv offering a trial that could lead to an immediate signing.

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Sources at South Africa’s public broadcaster SabcSport revealed that Okon departed for Ukraine over the weekend to join the storied Ukrainian club.

Dynamo Kyiv, who lead the Ukrainian Premier League after 17 matches, are also competing in the UEFA Europa League, although the are rooted to the bottom of the group standings with only two games left against Galatasaray and Rigas FS.

This is not the first time Okon has been linked with a move abroad.

The centre-back has previously attracted interest from clubs in England, Belgium, and Denmark, but none of these potential transfers materialised.

His trial at Kyiv is a pivotal moment in a career that has been on an upward trajectory since his promotion to SuperSport United’s senior team at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Under head coach Gavin Hunt, Okon quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 33 appearances in his debut campaign.

His consistency earned him a call-up to South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, by coach Hugo Broos, although he has yet to make his international debut.

Okon’s international future remains a subject of speculation. Born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, he is eligible to represent either nation.

While he has been involved with South Africa’s national setup, a move to Ukraine and the prospect of joining the Super Eagles’ promising rebuild could influence his decision.

Nigeria, currently refreshing their defensive options, has begun the process phasing out experienced players like Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun in favour of younger talents.

Three-time champions Super Eagles reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last year, after beating South Africa in the semifinals.