South Africa defender Ime Okon says playing – and starting the opening match – at his first FIFA World Cup was “probably the greatest moment” of his career and has vowed to use the experience to drive Hannover 96’s season in the German second tier.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who helped Bafana Bafana reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, reflected on his tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada as “a dream come true” and believes it can elevate his club career.
“Not quite yet,” he told Hannover’s website when asked if the reality of representing his country on the biggest stage had sunk in.
“It is something special for every footballer to play this tournament. For me, the World Cup was a dream come true. Many moments still go through my head. These are memories that you will never forget.”
‘Greatest moment’ on the global stage
Okon was part of the South African side that made history by progressing beyond the group phase for the first time at a World Cup, ultimately reaching the last 16.
“That was just crazy. To play in a stadium like this and play the opening game straight away is probably the greatest moment of my career so far,” he said.
“These are feelings that can hardly be described. Of course, we would have liked to win the game and progress in the tournament overall, but we made it past the group stage of a World Cup for the first time. We can be very proud of that as a team and as a country.”
Okon featured in defence against some of the world’s leading forwards and says those battles have already changed how he sees his own game.
Using World Cup lessons in 2. Bundesliga
The defender, who plays his club football for Hannover 96 in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, insists the level of opposition at the World Cup has accelerated his development.
“Definitely. You play against the best players in the world at a World Cup. The duels against top attackers were a valuable experience,” Okon added.
“I now want to bring these impressions and what I took away for myself there and help the team. In the end, it’s about getting better together as a team and playing a successful season.”
Hannover, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, are again targeting a push towards the Bundesliga. Okon is expected to play a key role in their back line after his breakthrough on the international stage.
Hero’s welcome back in Hannover
On his return from World Cup duty, Okon was honoured by Hannover 96 during a special team dinner recognising his achievement in reaching the last 16 with South Africa.
The club’s coaching staff for the 2. Bundesliga side rose to their feet and applauded as he entered the dining room, before teammates and staff greeted him with hugs and handshakes.
The Bafana Bafana defender has since linked up with Hannover’s squad at their training camp in Austria, where they are completing the final phase of pre-season preparations.
He is now focused on translating his World Cup momentum into domestic form, with Hannover beginning their 2. Bundesliga campaign against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday, 16 August.
