Perry Ng and Kyoga Nakamura Join Lions as AFF ME Cup Preparations Begin

Following the decision to forgo friendlies against other national teams during the current FIFA window (2-10 September), the Singapore national team has commenced their centralised training at the Kallang Football Hub (KFH) as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AFF ME Cup) later this year.

Cardiff City's Perry Ng speaking to the media

Perry Ng get down to work immediately

The training session began with the media appearance of Cardiff City defender Perry Ng and BG Tampines Rovers midfielder Kyoga Nakamura at KFH. According to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), their inclusion in the training is part of a "familiarisation stint."

STRONG DESIRE TO PLAY FOR THE LIONS

For those unbeknownst, Liverpool-born Ng has long been in the spotlight due to his eligibility to play for the Lions through his late Singapore-born paternal grandfather. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Nakamura received his permanent residency approval in March.

The decision to invite Ng and Nakamura to the Lions' training session follows their strong desire to commit to the island republic and the four-time ASEAN champions.

BG Tampines Rovers' Kyoga Nakamura speaking to the media

Kyoga ready to float in a cross 

The preparation for necessary paperwork for their citizenship applications is reportedly in progress, and if all goes smoothly, it could be a significant advantage for national coach Tsutomu Ogura in his preparation for future international assignments.

DUO TO FOLLOW SONG'S FOOTSTEPS SOON?

The most recent foreign-born player to wear the Singapore national team jersey was Lion City Sailors' Song Ui-young. The 31-year-old was born in Incheon, South Korea, and first arrived in Singapore at the age of 19 when he signed for Home United in 2012. He was granted permanent residency in 2020.

Coach Ogura (right) talking to team manager Eric Ong

After receiving his citizenship in August 2021, Song, a former Persebaya Surabaya midfielder, earned his first Lions cap in an international friendly against Kyrgyzstan in November 2021 in Dubai, which ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat.