Leeds United forward Noah Okafor has been criticised by the Swiss media, who claim that his chances of travelling to the World Cup this summer have been “destroyed”.
Noah Okafor has been one of the standouts for Leeds United so far this season, having made a strong start to life in the Premier League following his switch from AC Milan.
However, Okafor has found himself out of favour at international level, as he has been omitted from the Switzerland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo.
The decision to leave the Leeds winger out of the Swiss squad follows a claim by manager Murat Yakin, who says Okafor needs more goals to force his way back in.
Now, the Swiss media have taken aim at Okafor as he prepares to face Nottingham Forest, claiming he has destroyed his World Cup hopes.
Noah Okafor in action for Leeds United during a Premier League clash against Bournemouth
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Writing in the publication Blick, journalist Tobias Wedermann criticised Okafor for a recent interview he did in which he criticised the Swiss set-up.
According to Wedermann, this is proof that Okafor is “not a team player” and his attitude could mean the Leeds United man misses out on a spot for the World Cup.
Wedermann wrote: “Noah Okafor is not a team player and prioritises his own interests over those of the squad. Switzerland has had a near-perfect start to this World Cup qualifier, impressing not only with their individual play but also as a cohesive unit.
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“In just one week, the small nation can once again secure their ticket to the next major tournament and the biggest stage in world football. And Okafor? He can think of nothing better to do than to thrust himself into the media spotlight right now, risking unrest within the national team.
“You don’t need to be a clairvoyant to know that his ill-timed statement regarding the national team has further sidelined him. He may have just definitively destroyed his chances of a World Cup ticket.”
Noah Okafor celebrates after scoring for Leeds United against Wolves
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What did Noah Okafor say about Switzerland?
Speaking in a recent interview with The Athletic, Okafor criticised the Swiss management team for failing to contact him during his long absence from the national set-up.
According to Okafor, no one got in touch with him when he was placed on a list of reserves for the upcoming international break, which means he has to be on standby to link up with the squad if required.
“Today [5th November], my brother called me to say, ‘You see the (reserve) list?’ I said, ‘No’. Then I checked my mail, and I see the squad list, and I’m on it,” Okafor said.
“The thing is, they put me on the list, but don’t even ask me how I feel or if my body’s OK. It makes no sense. For me, this is the biggest disappointment.
“It means I have to be available, but how doesn’t he call me to tell me what I have to improve? It’s fine, it’s his decision, he’s the coach, but he put me on the list, and nobody from the federation texted me or called me. This is just sad.”
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Switzerland’s loss can be Leeds United’s gain
According to TransferMarkt, Okafor’s last appearance for Switzerland came in the Nations League in November 2024, almost exactly a year ago.
Barring something unexpected, he will spend the next international break with Leeds as his enforced international exile continues.
Noah Okafor for Leeds United this season: Data from FotMob
Played: 7
Goals: 2
Assists: 0
Successful Dribbles: 17
Chances Created: 4
While this is a disappointing state of affairs for the player, Leeds boss Daniel Farke may be secretly relieved that his player will not be jetting off to play more high-intensity games.
No player has scored more goals for Leeds than Okafor this season. Farke needs his star man fit and fresh, as he will be key to Leeds’ survival hopes.