Okafor Voices Discontent Over Switzerland’s National Team Selection

Noah Okafor, the Leeds striker, has once again been overlooked for a place in the Swiss national team, and he has not hesitated to express his dissatisfaction with this decision. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Okafor revealed that he has not had any communication with manager Murat Yakin for nearly a year. He is perplexed by his continued exclusion, having last represented Switzerland in a Nations League match in November 2024.

“Since then, I have not spoken with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, nor have I heard from the Swiss Football Association’s sporting director, Pierluigi Tami,” he stated. “It confuses me because they don’t reach out to check on my well-being. For instance, when I transferred to Leeds, I expected at least a congratulatory message, especially since I am now playing in one of the best leagues in the world.”

In response, Granit Xhaka, another prominent figure in Swiss football, spoke about Okafor’s situation during an interview with Blick. He mentioned having a recent phone conversation with Okafor where the national team was discussed. Xhaka noted, “It’s challenging for me to comment without knowing all the details. Noah has received opportunities during the European Championship and the World Cup. I believe he should realistically assess his situation: Why am I not included?”

Xhaka also remarked on Okafor’s claims of neglect, stating, “I don’t know the specifics. However, I believe it is essential to maintain communication. Noah possesses great potential but has not consistently demonstrated it in recent years. He is starting to find his form at Leeds, and while the league suits him, he needs to focus on certain aspects if he wants to play a role in the future. Sometimes, one must reflect, remain silent, and work hard. This applies to everyone, including me; ultimately, performance on the pitch is what matters.”

Coach Yakin has articulated what Okafor must do to re-enter the national team’s consideration. He commented, “I have spoken with Okafor multiple times, outlining my expectations for him both on and off the field. I hope my message resonates with him. We will continue to monitor his progress. Currently, attacking players are evaluated by their goal-scoring ability, and those in the squad have the upper hand in that regard.”

Okafor’s public grievances have not helped his case; they have drawn criticism from Tami, who denounced his decision to speak out at this time. “This statement is unwelcome and poorly timed. If a player has an issue with a coach, he should address it directly with them. Communication is always an option,” Tami expressed to Blick. “I find it difficult to understand his actions. He needs to exercise patience and humility, prioritizing the team over personal grievances. To be selected, a player must perform well at the club level and align with the coach’s requirements. Currently, those criteria are not being met in Noah’s case, according to the coaching staff.”

However, Tami reassured that the door to international selection remains open for Okafor, provided he demonstrates deserving qualities. “No opportunity is permanently closed. Nevertheless, this interview has not facilitated a bridge between the two sides. Following this training camp, we will attempt to re-establish communication, despite our dissatisfaction with his remarks. The responsibility is on Noah to respond positively. Murat has clearly laid out his expectations during the last training camp against Serbia a year ago. While he had limited playing time at Milan and Napoli, he is now finding his footing this season,” he concluded.

Tami emphasized the importance of focusing on collective goals, stating, “We require positive energy, and distractions like this could hinder our progress. The team’s cohesion must take precedence over individual issues.”

Switzerland is on the cusp of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in their upcoming match. Currently, they lead Group B by three points and will secure qualification on Saturday if they achieve a better result against Sweden than Kosovo does against Slovenia. Should Switzerland falter, they will face a tense final match against Kosovo.