NMI to make debut in U23 AFC tourney

A sendoff ceremony for the NMI U23 Men’s National Soccer Team—making their debut in the AFC U23 division as they compete in the 2026 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Xi’an, China—was held earlier this evening at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The team is made up of a young group of players who will be going up against tough, experienced opponents in Group D. While most nations are fielding rosters stacked with 22-year-olds, NMI’s squad features mostly teens—the youngest just 16—with only one player at 22.

They’ll kick things off against Australia on Wednesday, Sept. 3, take on host nation China on Saturday, Sept. 6, and wrap up the tournament against Timor-Leste on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

This marks NMI’s first time competing in the U23 age group in the AFC. The milestone follows the historic first-ever recorded win for the NMI U20 Women’s National Team, who beat Bahrain on August 10.

But before the action starts in China, the team will head to Japan for a week-long training camp.

The team’s roster features Merrick Toves, Leland Deleon Guerrero, Takeru Jim, John Quidato, Brian Lubao, Dev Bachani, Paul Lizama, Kohtaro Goto, Markus Toves, Mark Chavez, Aloyzeus Angeles, Jayvin Bisek, Tyler Omelau, Akira Kadokura, Wataru Kadokura, Akoni Matsumoto, Isiah Hossain, Daniell Pablo, Nolan Ngewakl, Edward Arriola III, Ariel Narvaez Jr., Anthony Bergancia, and Cody Shimizu.

They are joined by head 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 team physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa.

Remarks were made by Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, NMIFA Executive Committee member Alex Sablan, and NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta.

Then team captain Kohtaro Goto and Merrick Toves made their remarks.

Goto said, “Thank you so much to everyone—to NMIFA, the staff, coaches for coming out to support us. Without you guys, we wouldn’t be here able to represent the NMI in China. For us players, we’re honored to wear the jersey and represent the NMI in China. We’ll be sure to work hard and we’ll do our best to make you guys proud.”

For Toves, he said, “As you know the women’s team won their first AFC [match] in Uzbekistan and made history… So not only we’re going to China to represent NMI in our first U23 tournament, but we’ll also try our best to come back with a win also. Thank you.”

By Leigh Gases