Akira Nishino

FIFA World Cup 2018: Senegal Football Federation asks organising body to reconsider Fair Play after being eliminated

The Senegal football federation has appealed to FIFA over the use of Fair Play in group stage matches to separate teams tied on points, citing Japan's decision to go for a loss as an example of how it can be used negatively.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Japan have 'spirit and mentality' to reach last eight, says coach Akira Nishino

Japan have the spirit and mentality to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, coach Akira Nishino said on Sunday ahead of his side's last-16 clash against Belgium.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Japan coach Akira Nishino says he asked his players to back off towards the end against Poland

Japan coach Akira Nishino said he was "forced" to tell his players to down tools towards the end of their World Cup match against Poland, to secure last 16 qualification.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Yuya Osako heads Japan to historic win over 10-man Colombia in Group H opener

Osako's 73rd-minute winner meant the Japanese avenged their 4-1 mauling in the group stages of Brazil 2014 as Colombia played with a man down for 86 minutes in Saransk.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Akira Nishino replaces Vahid Halilhodzic as Japan coach with showpiece event only 2 months away

Nishino, who spent 10 seasons in charge of Gamba Osaka and became the JFA’s technical director in 2016, will have little time to prepare for the tournament in Russia, where Japan are drawn in Group H alongside Colombia, Poland and Senegal.