Bafana star suffers promotion blow in Europe

17.05.26 FT 2. Bundesliga Germany

Hannover 96

3

:

Nuernberg

3

South Africa international Ime Okon and Hannover 96 suffered a promotion blow after a thrilling 3-3 draw with 1. FC Nurnberg in the German Bundesliga 2 over the weekend.

The result saw them stretch their winless run to three games having drawn the last three matches, which saw them miss out on an automatic promotion spot by two points.

Moreover, Hannover couldn't salvage a promotion playoff spot as they finished the 2025/26 campaign in fourth place with 60 points accumulated from 34 outings.

Okon Made 26 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with two goals in what was his debut season in Europe.

He signed for Hannover as a free agent from the now-defunct SuperSport United in July 2025, inking a deal until June 2029.

The 22-year-old defender recently made his senior national team debut in the two friendly matches against Central American side Panama in March.

His inclusion in the Bafana Bafana fold was, however, met with skepticism and backlash owing to his father's Nigerian descent.

With the highly-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Okon will be eager to make Hugo Broos' final squad for the global showpiece.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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Hannover 96

Nuernberg

2. Bundesliga Germany