To some African nations, it might be a surprising thing to see an Asian player with an African root, as it is a very rare sight but for Nigerians, it is not a thing of Surprise as it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that Nigerians to a very large extent have their seeds in almost all Nations of the World.

Leo Brian Kokubo is the latest addition to the ever growing list of Players with Nigerian heritage who plays for other nations, this time around from Japan!

WHO IS LEO BRIAN KOKUBO?

Leo Brian Kokubo or simply put, Leo Kokubo is a 23 year old Japan National team Goalkeeper with a Nigerian root. The Shot-stopper is born to a Nigerian Father and a Japanese mother just like his Compatriot, Joel Chima Fujita. Leo Kokubo was born in Chiba, Japan on the 23rd of January, 2001.


Leo Kokubo rose through the ranks of the Japanese National team, featuring for the U-16, U-18 and U-23. In 2024, during the AFC U-23 Asian cup final, Leo Kokubo saved a penalty kick to help his team secure a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan and subsequently winning the trophy. He was named the man of the match afterwards for his heroics in the Final.

Leo kokubo currently plays for Sint-Truidense in the Belgian pro league, a club he signed for in 2024 from Portuguese side, Benfica. In 2023, he won the Portuguese super cup with Benfica.


Leo is the first choice goalkeeper for Japan at the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris, France. In Japan's first match of the tournament, Leo kept a clean sheet as his team trounced Paraguay, 5-0.

Leo Kokubo is currrently being captain in the Japanese national team by Joel Chima Fujita, another Japanese player with a Nigerian root through his father who is an Igbo from the eastern part of Nigeria.

SEE HERE: Meet Joel Chima Fujita, the 22 years old Japan National team captain born to a Nigerian father

During his 20th birthday celebration, Leo took to Instagram to thank his parents and all those who have been a source of encouragement to him. He also displayed pictures of himself and siblings.



He wrote: I made it to 20 today. I'm so grateful to my parents who raised me this far. Also, the support and encouragement of so many people has helped me. I will continue to do my best and remain grateful. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes!!