Noah Okafor is back in Switzerland’s plans, and here’s why it’s great news for Leeds
Noah Okafor has not been included in Switzerland’s international squad since the end of 2024, but the Leeds United star could be set to return.
The 25-year-old has been capped 24 times by his nation, but over the last 16 months, he has been frozen out by head coach Murat Yakin.
The basis of the feud has seemingly stemmed from EURO 2024, with Okafor reported to have had questionable professionalism.
However, according to Swiss outlet Blue News, Yakin came to Elland Road to watch Okafor in action against Nottingham Forest.
The Switzerland manager said: “We saw a strong game from Noah, in which he showed what he’s made of. Afterwards, we had an honest, clarifying and constructive conversation. That’s a good basis for Noah’s possible return to the national team.”
This has now left the door open for Okafor to return to the national team set-up, and Leeds could now benefit.
Why this Noah Okafor development is good news for Leeds’
Okafor has had a recent resurgence at Leeds, as in his last two appearances he has managed to double his total Premier League goals tally.
Before that, the forward had been largely underwhelming throughout his time in LS11 so far.
However, coupled with the recent form and the potential to get back into the Switzerland team, Daniel Farke could now be set to see an even better version of Okafor.
With the World Cup coming up in the summer, and Switzerland already confirmed for the tournament, the Leeds forward could now have his eyes on making that plane.
After the previous feud, Okafor will have to prove himself even more, and over the next few weeks, his desire to go to North America in the summer will become clear.
It is a new motivation that the 25-year-old was likely not anticipating, but now it comes to the benefit of every party involved.
Okafor could turn a big corner at Elland Road, Farke gets a forward with more motivation than ever, and Switzerland gets an attacker in fine form.
It will certainly be an interesting few weeks.
Will Okafor start against Birmingham City?
After two goals in two games, it would seem unwise to stop Okafor’s form in its tracks.
The Swiss forward did not start against Chelsea due to Farke claiming his body needed more time to rest after his Nottingham Forest performance.
However, between Chelsea and Birmingham, he has had plenty of time to recover, and that should see him get the nod.
A match against Championship opposition is an excellent fixture to allow the forward to continue his form and provide him more confidence.
Okafor will certainly be hoping his international manager is keeping an eye on him once again.
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