The NMI U17 Men’s National Team members pose for a group photo during the NMIFA’s sendoff ceremony. The team will compete in the U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium in Salmiya, Kuwait on Oct. 23-27.
The officials of the NMI U17 Men’s National Team wait to be introduced.
THE Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted a sendoff ceremony on Monday at the NMI Soccer Training Center, and wished good luck to the NMI U17 Men’s National Team, which will compete in the U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium in Salmiya, Kuwait on Oct. 23-27.
In his remarks, NMIFA Executive Committee member Alex Sablan thanked the team for qualifying, and recognized the coaches, administrators, clubs, volunteers and parents for their continuous support. “It’s going to be a fierce competition, but I know these young men have been putting in the time and effort to compete. This is about conditioning to go out and compete in the international tour under the AFC. I know they are ready for the competition and I’m thankful for their efforts thus far,” said Sablan.
Northern Mariana Islands Football Association Executive Committee member Alex Sablan speaks during the sendoff ceremony.
The AFC U17 Asian Cup will feature 43 national teams divided into 10 groups. The NMI is in Group G and will compete against Australia, Indonesia and the host, Kuwait.
On Oct. 24, the NMI will play their first match against Australia at 3:30 a.m. (local time). On Oct. 26, the NMI faces Indonesia at 12:30 a.m. On Oct. 28, the NMI will go toe-to-toe with Kuwait at 3:30 a.m.
The NMI team officials are head coach Konomi Suzuki, assistant coach Jireh Yobech, goalkeeper coach Takumi Kanda, team manager Khristelle Itaas, team doctor/physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa, and equipment manager Bernadette Horey.
The NMI players are Edward Arriola III, Gauis Ranada, Nolan Ngewakl, Riku Takahashi, Yutaka Kadokura, Aiden Camacho, Chan Woong Yeom, Chan Seo Yeom, Rooney Gil, Terrel Kileleman-Hix, Benetton Haro, Akoni Masumoto, Kian Estolas, Theo Joab, Taig Namai-Scoggins, Jayson Tagabuel, Jack Raho, Taher Shakir, John Quidato, Eamon Tang, David Xing, Moshe Sikkel, and Mark Costales.
Northern Mariana Islands Football Association Executive Committee member Catherine Attao-Toves delivers the closing remarks during the sendoff ceremony.
In her closing remarks, NMIFA Executive Committee member Catherine Attao-Toves said, “On behalf of the NMIFA we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those that have given to our players. We would also like to acknowledge our program champions, our NMIFA clubs. These clubs do the best they can by forming and facilitating a relationship with our youths and the beautiful sport of soccer. It is with these relationships that players transition to become national players.”
