Why I’m not playing for Nigeria – Leeds United star, Isaac Schmidt opens up

Leeds United loanee, Isaac Schmidt, has opened up on why he decided to play his international football for Switzerland instead of Nigeria.

Schmidt, who is on loan to German Bundesliga side, Werder Bremen from Leeds United, said that Nigeria never contacted him.

Being a son of a Swiss-German father and a Nigerian mother could have qualified the defender to play for Nigeria.

However, he played his cap-tying game for Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on September 8, 2025.

Schmidt told German news outlet, Bild that his decision was for the fact that he is more connected 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,” he said.

About the meaning of his name, the player clarifies, “Osas is just an abbreviation for me. My full middle name is Osayimori.”

The player was injured in training and played no part in Switzerland’s 2–0 victory over Sweden on Friday.