(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Thu 2 April 2026 10:10, UK Updated Thu 2 April 2026 11:20, UK

Noah Okafor has been described as “disgraced” in translated reports from Switzerland after the Leeds United forward apologised to teammates during his international return.

The 25-year-old was back involved with the Schweizer Nati for the first time in over 16 months, but did not feature in friendlies against Germany and Norway due to injury concerns heading into the pause.

The former AC Milan man’s comeback has still drawn attention, though, with Swiss outlet Blick reporting that Okafor addressed the squad to apologise for his past behaviour.

The original German wording translates more literally to “fallen from grace”, or “out of favour”, with an online translation using the stronger “disgraced” phrase.

No matter the wording, the return is a big moment for the Whites forward, who had previously been frozen out of the national setup following issues during Euro 2024.

Noah Okafor apologises to Switzerland teammates as attitude praised

According to the report from the Swiss outlet, Okafor stood in front of the squad early in the camp for his previous conduct, outlining his commitment to the side moving forward.

Following Switzerland’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit against England, the attacker spoke directly to Swiss FA director Pierluigi Tami regarding his lack of playing time under manager Murat Yakin, while he publicly criticised the lack of communication from the national team setup.

Returning to the national team following his corresponding return from injury, his gesture was said to have been met with applause from teammates.

Boss Yakin was full of praise for Okafor, despite his lack of minutes on the pitch, saying: “He has made great progress. He trained really well.”

The report also suggested the 25-year-old showing strong professionalism throughout, as he completed extra individual sessions on the road to full fitness.

After positive conversations with staff, it was agreed that he would sit out both matches over the break, with the focus on building fitness – something that Daniel Farke will be pleased about.

Daniel Farke will be pleased after stress-free Okafor camp

Heading into the final stage of the season, it will bring a huge sigh of relief to Leeds boss Farke to see Okafor return fit after a productive break involving no additional minutes on the pitch.

The Swiss attacker had only just returned from a hamstring injury before the pause, and there were fresh concerns during the period, with reports suggesting he had picked up an issue.

Instead, this turned out to be a decision to not risk the forward, who now gives Farke a big boost as the Whites battle for their survival.

Leeds struggled to find a spark in the final third across the weeks leading up to the international break, dragging them back into the relegation battle after forging a six point gap back in February.

Looking to reset, the Whites travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham on Sunday, with the sides battling it out for an FA Cup semi-final spot.

Alongside the obvious Wembley reward, the momentum from a win against relegation rivals is on the line.

Farke will require every member of his squad fit for the coming months, and Okafor’s news will absolutely please him.