The towering centre-back, who currently plays for Hannover 96 in Germany's second tier, had been on the radar of head coach Hugo Broos for some time. However, injury ruled him out of the previous camp, making this call-up even more meaningful.
Bafana are set to face Panama twice as part of their preparations for the FIFA World Cup, with the first clash scheduled for Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, before the teams meet again in Cape Town.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Okon expressed his excitement at finally linking up with the national squad.
"I'm very excited to be here and be amongst the guys," he said at a pre-match press conference earlier this week.
"I had some problems before, but now I'm just happy to be back and looking forward to the training sessions and the next few games.
"I got the call while I was training, and I was excited because I knew I had to come this time, no matter what. So, I'm very happy to be here."
Okon's journey began at Randburg FC before he progressed through the ranks at SuperSport United, where he made his breakthrough. His consistent development has now earned him recognition at international level.
"Since my adolescent years, I've been working hard, and this is where I want to be," he added.
"I think everything falls into place once you keep on working and believe that you are going to achieve what you want to achieve. It's just very special to me."
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed recent reporting that Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane will be absent from Friday's international friendly with Panama.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has welcomed the pressure that comes with performing in big games for his country.
Ime Okon says he's excited to be part of the Bafana Bafana set-up for their two upcoming friendly international matches with Panama.
Bafana Bafana face central American country Panama in the first of two friendly matches during the international break at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
