Japan-born midfielder Kyoga Nakamura gets Singapore citizenship

SINGAPORE – The Lions have received a timely boost ahead of the year-end Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship, with BG Tampines Rovers’ Japan-born midfielder Kyoga Nakamura becoming a citizen on Oct 25.

Shortly after taking his oath to become a Singaporean at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority building in Kallang, he told The Straits Times: “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.”

His Lions debut is likely to come in November, when Singapore host Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in friendlies at the National Stadium.

Outlining his ambitions with the national team, the 28-year-old said: “I am still the same Kyoga. And I will give my all for Singapore and work hard for the country. The goal is to help Singapore to get better results and bring joy to the fans.”

Nakamura also expressed gratitude to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and his club, especially chairman Desmond Ong, for making his dream come true.

Ong told ST: “I’m very pleased for him personally, because I know this is something he’s wanted for a long time.”

Nakamura’s eligibility will undoubtedly be a boost for the Lions, who are preparing for the Dec 8-Jan 5 AFF Championship.

But Ong stressed the need to “temper expectations” over Nakamura’s impact on the Lions, adding: “He alone may not be the answer, but he’s part of the solution.”

Four-time champions Singapore, who have reached the semi-finals only once in the last five editions, are in Group A, along with defending champions Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Timor-Leste.

Said Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura: “As we aim for new achievements, having competitive players like Kyoga is crucial for the national team. His dynamism from midfield makes him an asset for the Lions.”

Nakamura, who will be collecting his pink identity card and passport next week, has been playing in Singapore since 2019, when he made his Singapore Premier League (SPL) debut with Albirex Niigata.

Over the years, he has established himself as one of the league’s best players, illustrated by his SPL Team of the Year inclusions in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

The former Japan Under-17 international also satisfied Fifa’s five-year residency rule to turn out for an adopted country at senior level and attained permanent residency in March.

Known for his playmaking ability, the left-footed midfielder has been getting accustomed to the Lions over the last two months.

In September, Nakamura and Liverpool-born Cardiff City defender Perry Ng were invited to train with the Singapore national team in a “familiarisation stint”. The following month, Nakamura was part of a 30-man Singapore squad that flew to Japan for a training camp.

South Korea-born midfielder Song Ui-young, 30, was the last naturalised Lion before Nakamura. Song has represented Singapore on 25 occasions since being granted citizenship in 2021.

As Nakamura, whose five-year deal with the Stags ends in 2026, is now a citizen, Tampines will be able to sign another import, with their next opportunity being the January 2025 transfer window.

Nakamura, who has two daughters – a three-year-old and a younger one born here on Sept 1 – will be commemorating his new citizenship with a distinctly Singapore flavour.

On his celebration plans, Nakamura said: “I am going to have a very good dinner at home with my wife and kids. She is going to cook some of my favourite food like hamburger and chicken rice. The best way is to celebrate with my family.”