Soccer
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.
![Soccer SuperSport United defender Ime Okon. [Photo Credit - X]](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/01/GcqdqgYXYAA7VDw.jpeg)
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.
![Soccer SuperSport United defender Ime Okon. [Photo Credit - X]](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/01/GcqdqkPXQAAm0w6.jpeg)
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.
![Soccer SuperSport United defender Ime Okon. [Photo Credit - X]](https://soccernet.ng/app/uploads/2025/01/GcqdqmyWIAAFxR7.jpeg)
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.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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