Switzerland name two players of Nigerian descent to FIFA 2022 World Cup squad

The Euro 2020 quarterfinals will look to match and probably higher their last-eight exhibiting on the 1954 Mundial, the nation’s greatest mark within the competitors

Manchester Metropolis defender Manuel Akanji and Pink Bull Salzburg ahead Noah Okafor have been included in Switzerland’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Each Akanji and Okafor have Nigerian parentage.

Akanji was born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mom. He represented Switzerland at youth ranges, although, earlier than making his debut for the senior aspect in 2017.

The 27-year-old centre-back has 42 caps for the Swiss and was a member of the 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Like Akanji, Okafor was born to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mom, with the teen deciding to symbolize his nation of beginning.

The Binningen-born attacker solely made his senior debut in 2019 after taking part in for Switzerland at each cadet stage.

However the 22-year-old ahead’s affect has already been felt. Okafor’s first worldwide objective secured computerized qualification for Switzerland to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar 2022 would be the teen’s first look on the World Cup.

Alongside Akanji and Okafor, Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has additionally included Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, Chicago Hearth’s Xherdan Shaqiri, Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar, and Chelsea’s on-loan midfielder Denis Zakaria in his 26-man squad.

“We have been spoiled for alternative in some positions,” Yakin stated.

“Many gamers have delivered convincing performances in latest weeks and months. However in the long run I needed to restrict myself to 26 names. I’m satisfied that these 26 gamers can at all times assist us to realize our targets.”

Switzerland will kick off their World Cup marketing campaign towards Cameroon on 24 November earlier than dealing with Brazil and Serbia in Group G.

Switzerland

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Kohn (Pink Bull Salzburg), Jonas Omlin (Montpellier), Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Manchester Metropolis), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Sylvan Widmer (Mainz 05)

Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz 05), Fabian Frei (Basel), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (Luzern), Noah Okafor (Pink Bull Salzburg), Fabian Rieder (Younger Boys), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Hearth), Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Denis Zakaria (Chelsea)

Forwards: Breel Embolo (Monaco), Christian Fassnacht (Younger Boys), Haris Seferovic (Galatasaray), Reuben Vargas (FC Augsburg)