Swiss-Born Forward Noah Okafor Pauses International Career Over Rift With Coach

Leeds United forward Noah Okafor says he will not play for Switzerland while Murat Yakin remains the national-team manager, citing a breakdown of trust between them. Okafor said his decision was not caused by limited playing time. He alleged that promises were not kept and said reactions to mistakes during Switzerland’s World Cup win over Algeria left him deeply hurt. The 26-year-old, who was born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, has made 26 appearances for Switzerland since his 2019 debut. Having already represented Switzerland at senior level, he is not eligible to switch to Nigeria. Switzerland’s football association said it respects his decision. Okafor has left open the possibility of returning if there is a change in the coaching situation.

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