The NMI U23 Men’s National team members pose for a group photo during a send-off ceremony at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
NMIFA photo
THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association on Tuesday hosted a send-off ceremony at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium for the U23 Men’s National Team as they prepare to face tough competition in the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Xi’an, China, from Sept. 3 to 9.
The ceremony was attended by families, friends, and supporters, including NMIFA Executive Committee member Alex Sablan and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, who shared opening and special remarks.
The NMI U23 Men’s National Team roster includes Merrick Toves, Leland Deleon Guerrero, Takeru Jim, John Quidato, Brian Lubao, Dev Bachani, Paul Lizama, Kohtaro Goto, Markus Toves, Mark Chavez, Edward Arriola III, Ariel Narvaez Jr., Anthony Bergancia, Cody Shimizu, Aloyzeus Angeles, Jayvin Bisek, Tyler Omelau, Akira Kadokura, Wataru Kadokura, Akoni Matsumoto, Isiah Hossain, Daniell Pablo, and Nolan Ngewakl.
The team’s officials are coach Atsushi Hanita; assistant coaches Jershwin Angeles and Jireh Yobech; team manager Mikky Vargas; goalkeeper coach Chi Ming Tang; team security officer/equipment manager Davy Laxa; and physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa.
This will be the NMI’s first time competing in the U23 age group in the AFC, and the team is hoping to follow the historic achievement of the NMI U20 Women’s National Team, which defeated Bahrain 3-0 for their very first AFC win.
The qualifiers will feature a total of 44 teams, with the NMI in Group D facing Australia, host nation China, and Timor-Leste. The NMI’s first opponent will be Australia on Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m., followed by China on Sept. 6 at 9:35 p.m., and concluding with Timor-Leste on September 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Before heading into the qualifiers, the team will travel to Japan for a training camp in partnership with the Japan Football Association, where they will train and compete against local clubs as part of their preparations.
