Basel's Okafor Still Up For Grabs : Unused Sub For Switzerland In Nations League Semifinal

Published: June 05, 2019

The race for the services of Basel wonderkid Noah Okafor is still on after he failed to make his senior debut for Switzerland in their UEFA Nations League semifinal clash against Portugal on Wednesday evening.

The winger was handed a late invitation to Switzerland's senior team as replacement for the injured Breel Embolo, who pulled out of the squad because of a foot injury.

Wearing the number seven jersey, Okafor watched on from the sidelines as Switzerland suffered a 3-1 loss to Portugal at the Estádio Do Dragão (Porto), with Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo netting a hat-trick for the home team.

The 19-year-old is the first player born in 2000 to receive a call-up to Switzerland's senior team.

The Nigerian Federation and Super Eagles fans will be watching with keen interest to see if he gets a run-out in Switzerland's next competitive game which comes up on Sunday, June 9, against either England or Netherlands, and if that happens, he will become cap-tied to his country of birth.

Okafor had a breakthrough season for Basel last term, making 17 starts in the Super League after he was promoted to the first team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : instagram.com/noah.arinze