'No contact' - Leeds United loanee explains decision to represent Switzerland over Nigeria

Leeds United loanee Isaac Schmidt has opened up on his decision to represent Switzerland instead of Nigeria.

In search of adequate playing opportunities, Schmidt joined  German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen on a temporary basis in August 2025.

Born to a Swiss-German father and a Nigerian mother, the versatile defender was also eligible to wear the colours of Nigeria and Germany before making a cap-tying appearance for Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on September 8, 2025. 

He made his debut for the Swiss national team in a friendly in  March 2025 and has since featured four times for the European country.

Schmidt revealed that his choice was largely influenced by his upbringing and deeper connection to Switzerland.

"I have a strong connection to the country and have been there a few times. But I've never had any contact with the Nigerian national team," Schmidt explained to German newspaper Bild. 

He also shared an interesting detail about his name, clarifying the meaning behind his Nigerian heritage.

"Osas is just an abbreviation for me. My full middle name is Osayimori,” he said, adding that he feels 'very comfortable' in his home country.

Meanwhile, Schmidt has been forced to leave the Swiss national team camp early after sustaining a foot injury during training.

The Werder Bremen star did not feature in Switzerland’s 2–0 victory over Sweden on Friday and will undergo further examinations in Bremen in the coming days.

With his injury setback, Schmidt is now a doubt for Werder Bremen’s upcoming Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: leedsunited.com 

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