The NMI U23 Men’s National Team members pose for a group photo after arriving in Osaka, Japan.
NMIFA photo
IN preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, to be held in Xi’an, China, from Sept. 3 to 9, the NMI U23 Men’s National Team has been honing its skills at a training camp in Japan — in partnership with the Japan Football Association — competing against local clubs in training matches.
Upon their arrival in Osaka, Japan, the team reunited with off-island players as well as officials Hazel Mabasa and head coach Atsushi Hanita.
The team then began Day 1 of training with a session focused on fitness, led by Tsutsumi Naruhiko, trainer for the Japan All High School Select Team.
On Day 2, the NMI team faced Konan University in its first training match. According to a social media post from the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, “The pace and quality were a big challenge, but exactly the type of experience they need for the AFC tournament.”
By Day 3, the NMI team showed improvement in its second match against Kansai University, with Markus Toves scoring their first goal of the camp.
