Leo Kokubo: Why Japanese-Nigerian goalkeeper could be a Super Eagles target

Leo Kokubo was born in Chiba, Japan, on January 23, 2001, to a Nigerian father and Japanese mother, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old stands at 1.93m and plays as a right-footed goalkeeper. His football journey began with Kashiwa Reysol before Benfica brought him to Portugal in January 2019 when he was only 18.

Kokubo spent several seasons developing at Benfica, playing for the club’s youth, Under-23 and B teams. He eventually made 25 Liga Portugal 2 appearances for Benfica B, gaining senior experience before leaving Portugal.

On July 11, 2024, Belgian club Sint-Truiden signed him from Benfica. That move changed his career. Kokubo became a regular starter in Belgium, making 33 league appearances in 2024-25 and 38 more in 2025-26.

In the latter season, he conceded 43 goals, made 110 saves and recorded nine clean sheets as Sint-Truiden finished third. His save percentage was 71.9%.

The penalty save that made Leo Kokubo famous

Leo Kokubo’s international reputation grew rapidly in 2024. He helped Japan win the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Qatar, saving Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s stoppage-time penalty in the final against Uzbekistan on May 3.

Japan won 1-0, with Fuki Yamada scoring in the 91st minute before Kokubo’s save nine minutes later secured the trophy.

⛔️ | Leo Kokubo duikt de juiste kant uit en stopt de elfmeter van Beerschot! 🥅🧤 #STVBEE pic.twitter.com/CJnIHmDvyB

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 7, 2025

Three months later, he was Japan’s goalkeeper at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Kokubo was particularly singled out for praise after his heroics helped Japan beat Mali 1-0 in Bordeaux.

Those performances explain why Nigerian fans should know his name. Kokubo has already shown that he can handle high-pressure moments, including penalty situations, rather than simply benefiting from regular club football.

He has represented Japan at U16, U18 and U23 level, but he has not played for Japan’s senior national team.

Could Leo Kokubo really challenge Stanley Nwabali?

Kokubo is eligible for Nigeria through his Nigerian father, while his Japanese youth career means he has represented Japan extensively without committing himself at senior level.

FIFA’s current rules allow a player with multiple nationalities to seek a change of association under specific conditions, including not having played an official senior A international for the current association. Any switch would require the appropriate FIFA process.

His current form gives Nigeria an intriguing option. Kokubo has started all eight of Sint-Truiden’s matches in 2026-27 so far, six in the Belgian Pro League and two in Europa League qualifying, playing 720 minutes. He has conceded 14 goals and kept two clean sheets, earning an impressive Fotmob rating of 7.06.

Even his latest outing showed both sides of his game. Against Beveren on September 12, Kokubo made an excellent save from Elohim Kaboré in the first half but conceded a penalty after the break before Beveren added a second goal. Sint-Truiden lost 2-0.

Nigeria already has Stanley Nwabali as Eric Chelle’s established No.1. Kokubo would not automatically displace him. His value could be different: a 1.93m goalkeeper with Benfica training, regular European club football, Olympic experience and a proven record in high-pressure matches.

If Kokubo chooses Nigeria and completes the eligibility process, Chelle could suddenly have a very different goalkeeping competition. Nwabali would still have the senior experience, but Kokubo could bring a younger, European-developed alternative with serious room to grow.