Gayton McKenzie says Udeme Okon is not Nigerian but a South African
Gayton McKenzie confirms sprinter Udeme Okon’s identity amidst controversy between Nigerians and South Africans.
Udeme made several headlines after winning a gold medal in the Men’s 400m race at the Peru 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships.
However, the sprinter’s identity caused a stir on social media, as Nigerians expected South Africans to cancel Okon the same way they did to Chidinma Adetshina.
Some South Africans also requested that Home Affairs investigate his identity as Udeme’s father is Nigerian, while his mom is South African.
Taking to Twitter, the minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie confirmed that Udeme Okon is South African.
“He is a South African, legally here, didn’t steal anyone’s identity, he is not involved in nonsense and contributes positively to South Africa., he is our golden boy,” the minister wrote.
He is a South African, legally here, didn’t steal anyone’s identity, he is not involved in nonsense and contributes positively to South Africa., he is our golden boy 👊🏾 https://t.co/PMawxGCsCD
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 30, 2024
