Mikiju Nagakura once again delivered a decisive goal in the Tokyo Derby, sparking wild celebrations.
Mikiju Nagakura after scoring the winning goal [Photo by Takamoto Tokuhara]
FC Tokyo earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tokyo Verdy in the 16th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League on May 10. The game-winning goal came deep into second-half stoppage time, scored by forward Mikiju Nagakura. Following his match-winner in last year’s Tokyo Derby, he has now truly claimed the title of “Derby Man.”
The Ajinomoto Stadium erupted as Nagakura struck. With the score tied 1-1 past the 90th minute, the electronic board showed “7” for additional time. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, a brilliant chipped pass from midfielder Kein Sato found Nagakura, who calmly controlled the ball with his left foot. Facing the opposing goalkeeper one-on-one, he lifted the ball again with his left foot, knowing immediately it would be a goal.
“I could see the path of Kein’s pass, and it came exactly as I imagined. After that, it was just about executing my own play,” Nagakura said after the match.
He sprinted toward the goal behind him, pointing his index finger. “It was simply amazing,” he said. Teammates quickly surrounded Nagakura, sharing the joy with fans and supporters. The goal sealed the win, avenging the penalty shootout loss in March.
Nagakura trusted his instincts on the goal. Manager Rikizo Matsuhashi had encouraged him, saying, “If you don’t lose the ball, a chance will come.” The striker responded with a finish that showcased his ability to turn and score even with his back to goal, living up to his coach’s expectations.
On the post-match podium, Nagakura burst out with a joyful “Amazing!” In the interview area, he didn’t say much but flashed a grin while recalling the goal: “I’m glad I scored.” Reflecting on his mindset as a substitute, he added, “Everyone could see I wasn’t fully sharp, so I just focused on delivering quality in front of goal.”
Midfielder Kota Tokiwa praised Nagakura’s strike: “We train together every day, yet he still pulls off plays that exceed my imagination.” Defender Masato Morishige also weighed in: “I thought, ‘It’s Mikiju after all.’ He really is a player who delivers when it matters.”
Before the match, fans had shown spectacular choreography to boost the players. Nagakura expressed his gratitude: “In Tokyo Derby games, they always create a great atmosphere. We desperately needed a win, so I’m glad we could bring it home.” He appeared satisfied with his contribution.
Nagakura has been limited to just two goals this season due to injury. Yet with this second consecutive derby match-winner, he has firmly earned the “Derby Man” moniker. Still, he remained grounded, saying, “To put pressure on Kashima, we just need to win the next game as well.” The blue-and-red No. 26, with his gleaming blonde hair, now aims to keep their title hopes alive in the final two matches.