Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 23 March 2026 12:10, UK Updated Mon 23 March 2026 12:30, UK

Leeds United‘s Noah Okafor has been called up to Switzerland’s first team after an injury in camp, and it comes after a previous fallout with head coach Murat Yakin.

It was announced on Monday that Switzerland’s Filip Ugrinic has been forced to withdraw from the squad, resulting in Yakin calling on Okafor to take his place.

The Whites star wasn’t initially in the squad that was announced last week, and some may put it down to injury, while others would look at his fallout with the Switzerland boss.

Yakin previously admitted that he wasn’t fond of Okafor’s attitude, in which the Leeds star responded, and it all led to a messy situation.

Leeds have been without Okafor until this weekend, where he made his return to action since last playing against Birmingham City in February.

What happened with Murat Yakin and Noah Okafor?

Yakin didn’t rule out recalling Okafor, but the Switzerland boss has always seen his side as “well-staffed” in wide attacking areas.

He previously said that he hopes his words got through to him, as it always looked in doubt that he’d make the World Cup this summer.

Sunderland and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka revealed he had a phone call with Okafor after he spoke out to the Swiss media about his relationship with Yakin.

Even he described the situation as “difficult”.

However, as announced by Switzerland’s national team this Monday, the change gives the attacker another chance to sway Yakin’s mind.

What has Okafor now said about Switzerland call-up?

Regardless of what’s happened, Okafor will be hoping to make it to North America this summer, in hopes of playing in what would be his first World Cup.

Taking to his Instagram story after the announcement, the 25-year-old commented on his return to the Swiss side, ahead of games against Anton Stach’s Germany and Norway.

It’s clear to see the versatile winger is excited to be back, and is willing to sweep things with Yakin under the rug.

Hopefully, Leeds receive a boost from his performances in the run-in, with Okafor desperate to make the cut for the World Cup.