Noah Okafor and Murat Yakin pictured side by side
Credit: Imago
Jacob Raw
Mon 23 March 2026 12:10, 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.
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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.
Department Stats
Games (starts) 24 (15)
Minutes played 1298
Shots 27
Goals 4
Successful dribbles per game 2.29
Okafor in the PL this season
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”.
ℹ️ Filip Ugrinić fällt verletzungsbedingt aus und verpasst den Zusammenzug. Für ihn nominiert Nationaltrainer Murat Yakin Noah Okafor nach, der am Samstag nach seiner Verletzung erstmals wieder auf dem Platz stand.
ℹ️ Filip Ugrinić est forfait en raison d’une blessure et…
— 🇨🇭 Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) March 23, 2026
View Tweet
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?
More to follow…