Leeds Defender Isaac Schmidt Commits International Future to Switzerland Over Nigeria
Leeds United defender Isaac Schmidt is no longer eligible to represent the Super Eagles after making his competitive debut for Switzerland in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
The 25-year-old came off the bench in Switzerland’s 3-0 victory at St. Jakob Stadium, replacing midfielder Silvan Widmer in the second half. The appearance officially tied his international career to the Swiss national team, ending Nigeria’s pursuit of the player.
Born in Lausanne to a Swiss-German father and a Nigerian mother, Schmidt had been eligible to represent Nigeria, Germany, or Switzerland before his cap-tying debut.
His decision follows a familiar pattern, with players such as Manuel Akanji and Noah Okafor also opting to play for Switzerland despite being eligible for Nigeria.
Schmidt, currently on loan at German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen from Leeds United, becomes the latest talent of Nigerian descent to slip away from the Super Eagles’ reach.
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