South Africans have claimed the ownership of 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.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Okon on Friday morning emerged as the new World Junior champion, winning the 400m with a time of 45.69 seconds.
The 18-year-old Grade 11 pupil from Florida Park High School in Johannesburg following his triumph has been the 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 handle #Saint_mykel88 posted, “Na Akwa Ibom boy be that ooo lol.”
A female X user, Tumishang Mashabela with the account #tumimashabela, said, “No identify fraud, I hope. Nigerian first- proudly South African. Congratulations, young man.”
Another user, Azanian Authi with handle, #Landed_13928, “His brother Ime Okon will play for Bafana Bafana ahh thank you Naija.”
Also, an X user, Chinonso James with handle #Chinons72025813 tweeted, “I told you, Nigerians are unstoppable, we are everywhere, we make sure we get involve, well done my boy.”
Maqhobozakwasani with the handle #NjabuloQhobs, on the other hand, said, “That Green n White Flag will come n 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, “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, a 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 her mother having Mozambican roots, recently withdrew from Miss South Africa after they alleged she wasn’t one of them.
