Oiwa, who was named the continent’s top coach after steering Japan to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ title earlier this year, has extended his contract until the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The former Kashima Antlers coach, who led the J1 League side to the AFC Champions League™ title in 2019, took Japan to the quarter-finals of the most recent edition of the Olympic Games in Paris in July, where they were knocked out by Spain.
Oiwa will be assisted by Kenji Haneda, who will also serve as head coach of Japan’s U19 squad.

Nielsen, meanwhile, has become the first foreigner to be named the Nadeshiko Japan head coach after being appointed to replace Futoshi Ikeda, who left the post after the Olympic Games.
The 53-year-old worked as Denmark’s women’s coach from 2013 to 2017, departing after leading the team to a runners-up finish behind the Netherlands at Euro 2017.
After a short spell in China PR, Nielsen worked with the Switzerland women’s national team but left soon after his side was eliminated in the group phase of Euro 2022.

“I am extremely honoured and proud to have been appointed as the new coach of Nadeshiko Japan,” said Nielsen.
“I am delighted to be working with such a skilled and talented group of Japanese national team players and excited to build on the great achievements of previous coaches.
“With my appointment, I will inject new inspiration, ideas and a fresh perspective into the team and work with the players and staff to lead them to success and win titles.
“Japan has been an inspiration to teams around the world for a long time and we will all work hard to continue to do so in the future. I ask that our fans, partners and media continue to support the new Nadeshiko Japan.”