Noah Okafor reveals Switzerland frustration after Leeds United breakthrough

Leeds United forward Noah Okafor has admitted he is "angry" over his lack of playing time for Switzerland at the World Cup, despite insisting he remains fully committed to the national team.

The 26-year-old has yet to feature during the group stage, making him one of only three Swiss players still waiting for their first minutes of the tournament. His continued absence has become a talking point in Switzerland, particularly after his impressive debut season at Leeds United earned him a recall to Murat Yakin's squad earlier this year.

Speaking to the Swiss media, Okafor acknowledged his frustration while making it clear he remains ready whenever his opportunity arrives.

Okafor endured a difficult relationship with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin following Euro 2024, where he was also left on the bench throughout the tournament.

The situation deteriorated further when the Leeds attacker publicly criticised his omission from the national squad in November. However, both Yakin and Swiss Football Association director Pierluigi Tami later travelled to England in an effort to repair their relationship, leading to Okafor's return to the squad in March.

Although injury prevented him from featuring at that stage, he recovered in time to make his international comeback during a pre-World Cup friendly against Austria.

Despite that progress, he has once again found himself watching from the sidelines.

"Of course, I'm a bit annoyed or angry, whatever you want to call it. As a footballer, you're in the wrong profession if you want to sit on the bench."

Okafor also reflected on the mistakes he believes contributed to his previous fallout with the national team.

"I did make one or two mistakes back then. But I've grown a lot as a person since then. I'm happy with the team's performance, I'm still giving it my all in training, and I'm waiting for my chance."

The Leeds forward revealed he has already discussed the situation directly with Yakin, although he chose not to disclose the details of that conversation.

"I spoke with Muri again this morning. He explained to me why I didn't come on."

Swiss media have closely followed the story throughout the tournament, with commentator Sascha Ruefer even describing Okafor as a "ticking time bomb" because of his prolonged spell on the bench.

So far, however, the winger has avoided escalating the situation publicly, instead stressing his determination to stay prepared.

Okafor's performances suggested he had regained both confidence and consistency after a challenging period in Italy. That made his limited involvement at international level particularly surprising, although international tournaments often depend as much on tactical balance as individual form. It remains too early to conclude whether his role will change during the knockout rounds.

There had been some speculation that Okafor's lack of minutes was linked to the calf injury that ruled him out of Leeds United's final three matches of the season.

The forward has now dismissed those concerns, confirming he has fully recovered.

"I was feeling really good, then I had a minor issue with my calf, nothing serious. It lasted just under three weeks."

He added: "Leeds wasn't at stake anymore, so I took it easy for the World Cup. Then I did some individual training as a precaution. Now I'm in top shape. I had a minor muscle injury in my calf. I did a lot of therapy and increased the intensity day by day."

That update removes any lingering doubts over his physical condition and leaves selection as the only obstacle to regular involvement.

Switzerland's progression to the knockout stages could present Okafor with another opportunity to force his way into Murat Yakin's plans. With the winger confirming he is fully fit, attention will now turn to whether the national team coach changes his attacking options as the tournament enters its decisive phase. Leeds United will also be encouraged by the confirmation that their forward is no longer carrying any injury concerns ahead of pre-season.

Should Noah Okafor be starting for Switzerland after his impressive season with Leeds United?