SINGAPORE – Exciting News for the Lions

The Singapore national football team, known as the Lions, has received an exhilarating boost just in time for the upcoming ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship. BG Tampines Rovers’ Japan-born midfielder Kyoga Nakamura officially became a Singapore citizen on October 25.

Kyoga Nakamura's Emotional Oath Ceremony

Following a heartfelt oath ceremony at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority in Kallang, the 28-year-old expressed his emotions, stating, “I was very nervous before the pledge, but after everything was over, I had all the memories in my head from the time I came to Singapore till now. I am very excited to finally be a Singaporean. I am so happy right now and I cannot wait to play for the Lions in official matches.”

Upcoming Matches and Contributions

Nakamura is poised to make his Lions debut in November, as Singapore prepares to host Myanmar and Chinese Taipei for friendly matches at the National Stadium. “I am still the same Kyoga. I will give my all for Singapore and work hard for the country. The goal is to help Singapore achieve better results and bring joy to the fans,” he added.

Support from the Football Community

The midfielder also took a moment to thank the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and his club, especially chairman Desmond Ong, for their unwavering support and for helping him achieve his dream. Ong remarked, “I’m very pleased for him personally, because I know this is something he’s wanted for a long time.”

Preparing for the AFF Championship

With Nakamura’s new eligibility, the Lions are ramping up their preparations for the AFF Championship, scheduled from December 8 to January 5. However, Ong tempered excitement by reminding everyone that while Nakamura is a significant addition, “he alone may not be the answer, but he’s part of the solution.”

Challenges Ahead for the Lions

Singapore, a four-time champion of the tournament, has struggled to make a mark in recent years, having reached the semi-finals only once in the last five editions. They currently find themselves in Group A, alongside the defending champions Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste.

Coach's Perspective on Nakamura

Lions head coach Tsutomu Ogura emphasized the importance of competitive players like Nakamura, stating, “As we aim for new achievements, having players like Kyoga is crucial. His dynamism from midfield makes him an asset for the Lions.”

Nakamura's Journey to Citizenship

Nakamura, who has called Singapore home since 2019 after joining Albirex Niigata, quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Singapore Premier League (SPL). His skill on the ball earned him multiple selections to the SPL Team of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. The former Japan Under-17 international met FIFA’s five-year residency requirement and gained permanent residency in March, paving the way for his citizenship.

Adapting and Training with the Team

Notably, the left-footed playmaker has been adapting to his teammates over the last couple of months. He participated in a training stint with the Singapore national team alongside Cardiff City’s Perry Ng in September, and he was part of a 30-man squad that traveled to Japan for a training camp in October.

Significance of Nakamura's Citizenship

Nakamura’s citizenship marks a significant moment for the Lions, especially following the naturalization of South Korea-born Song Ui-young in 2021, who has represented Singapore 25 times since receiving citizenship. The addition of Nakamura means that Tampines Rovers can now sign a new overseas player, with the next opportunity arising in the January 2025 transfer window.

Celebrating His New Status

Celebrating his newfound citizenship, Nakamura plans to have a special family dinner featuring his favorite dishes such as hamburger and chicken rice, routines that resonate with his life in Singapore. “The best way is to celebrate with my family,” he stated, looking forward to creating more cherished memories in his adopted home.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

With a promising future ahead, Kyoga Nakamura is set to bring his talent to the national stage, potentially reshaping Singapore's fortunes in the upcoming football tournaments. Keep an eye on this rising star; he's ready to make waves on the field!