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."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 26, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 26, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
South Korea's defence ministry denies preferential treatment for BTS' V
South Korea's Ministry of National Defence has refuted claims that V, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, received preferential treatment while serving in the military.
K-actor Jung Woo-sung admits to fathering model Moon Ga-bi's child
South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, 51, admitted on Nov 24 that he is the father of South Korean model Moon Ga-bi's child.
Chuck Woolery was the first host of Wheel Of Fortune
Chuck Woolery (right), the affable host of Love Connection, Wheel Of Fortune and other television game shows in the United States, who later criticized liberal values and the US Democratic Party as the co-host of a popular right-wing podcast, died on Nov 23 at his home in Texas. He was 83.
Sole Singaporean contestant Yang Yan eliminated
Idol survival reality show Starlight Boys
Spotlight on two female-directed movies in India
Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light might have a shot at winning Academy Awards, a rare prospect for the country
For diamond shoppers, yet another choice to make – natural or man-made?
With Thanksgiving marking the unofficial start of engagement season - late November through Valentine's Day is when marriage proposals are common - ring buying is top of mind for many couples considering marriage.
Culture and cuisine in Hanoi
Visit the Vietnamese capital's Opera House and sample offerings from Michelin-starred chefs in Senses of Capella
BUDGET TIPS FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Going abroad? Here are five money-saving hacks for the holidays with your nearest and dearest
How the late Arthur Frommer inspired travellers to 'just do it'
In the 1980s, when I planned my first trip to Europe, I cannot remember which Frommer's travel guidebook I took along.
Tension, pressure, nerve, genius: At the chess c'ship, the wait is worth it
For all the flow of action, all sport involves varied acts of waiting. We wait for the goal in football, the shooter to fire between heartbeats, a snarling Rafael Nadal to uppercut the air in delight.
