South Africans have claimed teenage athlete Udeme Okon, who won a gold medal for the country in the 400m at the U-20 World Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru as their own.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Okon emerged as the new World Junior Champion on Friday morning, winning the 400m with a time of 45.69 seconds.
The 18-year-old Grade 11 pupil from Florida Park High School in Johannesburg has since been a topic of discussion on social media, with South Africans on X claiming he is their own.
An X user, Tebogo Koma, with the handle #TheGeopol said, “That name doesn’t sound South African ‘Udeme Okon’, but if he’s legal, then we fully support him.”
Another person with the name Saint-mykel and the handle #Saint_mykel88 posted, “Na Akwa Ibom boy be that ooo lol.”
A female X user, Tumishang Mashabela, with the account #tumimashabela, said, “No identity fraud, I hope. Nigerian first – proudly South African. Congratulations, young man.”
Another user, Azanian Authi, with the handle #Landed_13928, commented, “His brother Ime Okon will play for Bafana Bafana ahh thank you Naija.”
Also, an X user, Chinonso James, with the handle #Chinons72025813, tweeted, “I told you, Nigerians are unstoppable, we are everywhere, we make sure we get involved. Well done, my boy.”
Maqhobozakwasani, with the handle #NjabuloQhobs, on the other hand, said, “That Green n White Flag will come and claim our own Okon…..!!!! This war between 2 countries will never end and it’s gonna be a long day.”
Also reacting, Navneet K Singh, with the handle Navneet_K_Singh, said, “What a stunning finish by Udeme Okon! The way he powered through in the home straight was nothing short of sensational. South Africa has a new star on the track! #U20Championships #Athletics”
This is, however, in contrast to the fate that befell another Nigerian, Chidimma Adetshina, who was forced to withdraw from a beauty pageant in South Africa.
Adetshina, despite being born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and having a mother with Mozambican roots, recently withdrew from Miss South Africa after they alleged she wasn’t one of them.
