Noah Okafor Returns to Leeds United with Determination

Noah Okafor did not hide how it felt to be back in Leeds United colours.

The forward stepped onto the pitch for his first pre-season minutes on Wednesday against Manchester United, just days after rejoining training following an extended break. His summer had stretched deep into July as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

“It was amazing to be back with the team on the pitch,” he told BBC Radio Leeds, the relief clear after a stop-start few months.

Okafor’s return has been carefully managed. He only linked up with Leeds again last week, and his outing against Manchester United was about rhythm more than headlines. Fitness, not fireworks. He knows it.

“That’s the game I play, the game I used to play,” he said of his brief cameo. “I need a few more days to work on my fitness... then when it starts I am ready.”

World Cup frustration fuels Leeds focus

Behind the smile, there is an edge. The World Cup left a mark.

Okafor featured for just 19 minutes for Switzerland at the tournament, all as a substitute. For a player who arrived on the back of what he calls an “amazing season”, the lack of trust from his national coach cut deep.

“The World Cup was not so good for me because I didn’t play so much. The coach didn’t let me play, I don’t know why because I did really great,” he admitted.

That frustration has not turned into a sulk. He has parked it, at least publicly, and turned it into fuel for the club game.

“I came with a lot of confidence, I did an amazing season but in the end he just decides like this,” he said. “But now I keep it to the side, so just focus on Leeds. Give every day 100% in training and this season help the team again like last season.”

Hungry for more

Last season, Okafor delivered a solid first Premier League campaign: eight goals and one assist in 28 league appearances. Respectable numbers. Not enough for him.

“I am even more hungry than last season,” he said. “I adapted more in the Premier League and adapted to the team.”

That adaptation now has to turn into elevation. Leeds will need his goals, his direct running, his edge. He knows his availability is the starting point.

“The most important thing is to stay healthy and fit, keep every day with a smile and try to help the team with goals and assists,” he said.

One short pre-season outing against Manchester United will not define his year. But the intent is clear. Okafor is back, annoyed by his World Cup, energised by his role at Leeds – and determined that this season, the decisions about his minutes will be impossible to ignore.