NAKAMURA LIFT FOR LIONS

With AFF C'ship looming, Singapore can count on new citizen to 'give his all'

- Deepanraj Ganesan

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."