Where and how to watch Japanese J1 League in Nigeria?

Yokohama F. Marinos look to defend their title

The J1 League has reached the halfway stage before the June international break. Yokohama F. Marinos won the league last season and once again are at the top of the table. They lead Nagoya Grampus by just one point. The table is tight as Vissel Kobe are just three points behind the leaders and have a game in hand.

This race makes the league more interesting and with the involvement of homegrown talents and foreign players, the league has become more competitive.

This is the 30th edition of the elite competition and only two teams (Kashima Antlers & Yokohama F. Marinos) have played in every season in the top flight. Kashima Antlers have been the most successful club with the most wins and eight championship titles. Yokohama F. Marinos just sits behind them with five championship wins in total. Kawasaki Frontale completes the top three with four wins.

Format of the competition

J1 League started with 10 teams and now 18 teams fight for the prestigious title in Japan. From next season, the league will feature 20 clubs. This season only one team will be relegated to the J2 League. There will be a lot of competition from next season.

How many Nigerian players have played in J1 League?

15 Nigerian players have featured in the Japanese leagues and only six have played in the J1 League. Michael Obiku was the first Nigerian player who played in Japan. The former Nigerian international played for Avispa Fufuoka in 1997-98.

Peter Utaka holds the record for most appearances in the J1 League as a Nigerian player. The 39-year-old and former international played for Shimizu S-Pulse, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Tokyo, and Kyoto Sanga in the first division and made 115 appearances. Blessing Eleke (Kashima Antlers) and Mikel Agu (Shanon Bellmare) joined these clubs in 2022 and are still representing their country in Japan's top league.

Origbaajo Ismaila is another player who has a contract with a J League club, but he is currently on loan at Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova. The 24-year-old is a Kyoto Sanga player. Adebayo Adigun signed for Kashiwa Royal in 2009 and remained there for one season.

Where to watch U20 World Cup in Nigeria?

The J League is targeting a wider audience and they have decided to target a wider audience. For this, the broadcast will be through their YouTube channel JLeague International. The channel live streams four matches per game week with English commentary and graphics.