Albirex Niigata top scorer Shingo Nakano eyes move to other parts of Asia
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Albirex Niigata's Shingo Nakano (left) celebrating with Yohei Otake after scoring a goal in their 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium on May 16.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Jeremiah Ong
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SINGAPORE – With a brilliant hat-trick in Albirex Niigata’s 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United on May 16, free-scoring striker Shingo Nakano underlined his predatory prowess as he took his tally to 24 goals in 28 games in his debut Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign.
But watching the fan favourite find the net in the SPL may soon become a thing of the past, as the 20-year-old Japanese, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is keen to explore opportunities in other parts of Asia.
Asked about his future after their emphatic victory at Jurong East Stadium, Albirex’s top scorer said: “I am not sure yet but, if I can make a step up, I am going to the next country. Maybe somewhere in Asia. Malaysia, Thailand or Japan and after that try for Europe.”
While his second of three strikes was earlier ruled as an own goal from opposing defender Thorsten Cross, it was reinstated as Nakano’s goal following a post-match discussion among the match commissioner, referees and team officials, said the Football Association of Singapore.
Meanwhile, Albirex’s veteran midfielder Yohei Otake, who previously played for FC Tokyo and Shonan Bellmare in the top-tier J1 League, has confirmed his exit.
Earlier in May, the club announced that he will be leaving the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season. The 36-year-old has registered five goals and nine assists in 25 SPL games.
Albirex’s other imports – all Japanese – are also set to see their contracts expire at the end of this campaign.
Asked about the future of his imports, Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi said they are not sure yet, adding: “When new players come in, foreign or local players, we must stay united. That’s what is important to me.”
The result meant that Albirex consolidated fifth position with 42 points from 31 games. They are four points ahead of Brunei DPMM, who host BG Tampines Rovers on May 17.
Tanjong Pagar, in contrast, extended a wretched run of 10 games without a win.
With his team having played five games in a two-week span, Jaguars coach Noh Alam Shah said: “You can see the difference at the end of the second half. It’s definitely the fatigue especially after two good showings (against Hougang United and Lion City Sailors).”
The Jaguars showed promising signs in the first half, going toe to toe with their opponents as they pressed high through forward Salif Cisse and pacey winger Zenivio Mota.
“Next season, you are going to see a Tanjong Pagar team with high energy. This is my demand. A hardworking and high-pressing team,” added Alam Shah.
Albirex Niigata’s Shingo Nakano (in mask) celebrating with fans after scoring in the 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Nakano took just four minutes to find the opener, as he ghosted behind the defence to meet a cross from Otake, applying a deft touch to steer the ball past goalkeeper Riki Kimura.
The Jaguars pulled one back 10 minutes later through their top scorer Cisse as he calmly chipped goalkeeper Hassan Sunny for his ninth league goal of the season.
With three minutes left in the first half, Tanjong Pagar captain Faizal Roslan’s poor clearance fell to Albirex wingback Junki Yoshimura on the edge of the box, and he drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner to make it 2-1.
In the 66th minute, Otake teed up Nakano once more, and the striker flicked the ball past Kimura. The goal, which was initially ruled as a Cross own goal, was later awarded to Nakano.
Nakano scored again in the 78th minute. He pounced on a rebound when substitute Daniel Goh’s shot was palmed into his path by Kimura and then wheeled off in delight to celebrate with the fans.
He was not done yet, however, as he turned provider in the 83rd minute, delivering a cross that was met by the onrushing Shuhei Hoshino, who fired home to round off the win.
In the 88th minute, Albirex had a chance to make it six after being awarded a penalty for a handball by Marcus Moses, but Kimura saved Goh’s spot-kick to spare his side further blushes.
Analysis
Albirex seemed to have found their winning groove with consecutive emphatic victories against Geylang International and Tanjong Pagar, bagging nine goals in the process.
The White Swans took full advantage of the Jaguars’ second-half collapse to widen the scoreline as they continue their push for a fifth-placed finish.
