South African athletics 400m world champion Udeme Okon has stoked anger after speaking about his Nigerian heritage and xenophobia.
South Africans are still basking in global glory after Okon won a medal at the Under-20 World Championships in Lima, Peru.
Okon won the men’s 400m final at the championships in a time of 45.69 seconds. The 18-year-old stunned Americans Jayden Davis and Sidi Njie with a spectacular burst in the home straight. Davis (46.08) won silver, and Njie (46.29) clinched bronze.
Udeme Okon Speaks On His Nigerian Heritage And Xenophobia
A Nigerian reporter caught up with him just after his victory for a quick interview. Okon was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
The citizenship and nationality debate has been raging following the Chidimma Adetshina saga. The former Miss South Africa contestant was forced to pull out of the competition because some people became xenophobic about her Nigerian heritage and after revelations that her mother committed identity fraud. She is now vying for the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
The reporter asked Udeme Okon about his unique name, and he responded:
“I was actually born in South Africa. My father is Nigerian, and my mother is South African. So, yeah. I grew up in South Africa.”
Okon also had a few things to say about xenophobia in South Africa:
“[In the build-up to this] there has been a lot of xenophobia going on [and] racism based on if you’re from South Africa. I think we should just accept and welcome people into specific countries no matter where they are from.”
Mixed Reactions Online
People had different sentiments about Okpn’s interview at the Under-20 World Championships.
Nompu:
“He is not South African he is Nigerian. Why do these people hate themselves so much they want to be us.”
Michael:
“The boy must win more wearing that South African flag with Nigerian name. These xenophobes will have heart attacks. Go Udeme Go.”
Vince:
“The fact that he is a winner is enough proof he belongs here… Let it slide.”
Masterpiece:
“He won for us 😂 this time lets forgive him.”
Worry:
“This interviewer was silly. This boy is still young. He must know we don’t play on such issues or siyomlanda.”