The Japan U-23 national team will face the U-23 Uzbekistan national team on September 30 at Nagai Stadium in Osaka. Nelson Ishiwata hopes to energize the crowd with an impressive performance.

For Ishiwata, who came through Cerezo Osaka's academy, Nagai Stadium holds special significance. He watched Cerezo Osaka's top team matches there and made his official debut as a substitute in the opening match of the special "J1 Centennial Project League" against Gamba Osaka in February 2026. Since then, he has gradually gained prominence, appearing in 17 matches and recording 3 assists. About playing at the familiar venue, Ishiwata said, "I'm really looking forward to it. We have to win."

The 21-year-old Ishiwata, who has Nigerian roots, stands 1.85 meters tall and is known for his defensive prowess utilizing his height and his aggressive attacking contributions when opportunities arise. This summer, he completed a transfer from Cerezo Osaka to Belgian First Division side Sint-Truiden. This season, he has appeared in 6 league matches, recording 1 goal and 1 assist.

The Asian Games men's soccer age restriction is generally the same as the Olympics—U-23. Like Japan, Uzbekistan has fielded a team composed only of players under 21, making this a matchup between 2028 Los Angeles Olympic generation teams. The 2028 U-23 AFC Asian Cup will be held in Japan, with the top two teams earning qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, making this match a crucial opportunity for both sides. Ishiwata stated, "Both teams are in similar situations, and we can't afford to lose here. We want to win with our style of football. Our only goal is to win the tournament. First, we need to win tomorrow's match."

Nelson Ishiwata Born May 10, 2005, in Kyoto Prefecture, age 21. Joined Seikyou Koku JSC in first grade and played for Cerezo Osaka West U-15 during middle school. Joined Cerezo Osaka U-18 in his first year of high school and was registered with the top team as a Category 2 player in February 2022. Made his official debut on May 18, 2022, in a League Cup match against Oita Trinita. Transferred on loan to Ehime (then J2 League) in 2024 and to Iwaki (J2 League) in 2025. Returned to Cerezo Osaka in 2026 and appeared in 17 matches in the special "J1 Centennial Project League." Completed a full transfer to Sint-Truiden this summer. Ishiwata has appeared in 1 J1 League match and 41 J2 League matches, scoring 5 goals. Height 1.85 meters, weight 78 kilograms, right-footed.

AI翻訳。

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