Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Tran Anh Tu said that FIFA has confirmed that Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh is eligible to play for the Vietnamese national team. The Hanoi Police player may therefore be considered for summons by coach Kim Sang-sik in the near future.
Information about Adou Minh was shared by VFF leaders in an exchange about the operating plans of national teams and upcoming international tasks.
According to Mr. Tran Anh Tu, VFF does not set any limits on the number of naturalized players called up to the Vietnamese national team. The decision to choose personnel belongs to coach Kim Sang-sik, based on professional requirements and suitability with the playing style.
VFF has never raised the issue of how many naturalized players will be called up. Calling someone is the right of the head coach. VFF does not set any limits," VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu said.
VFF leaders believe that the use of naturalized players is a trend that is appearing in many national teams in the region. However, the number of players used on the field will depend on the tactical calculations of the coaching staff.
At ASEAN Cup 2026, the Vietnamese national team has the presence of some naturalized players. However, not all are used at the same time. According to Mr. Tran Anh Tu, despite being strengthened, the Vietnamese national team still maintains the mark of domestic players.
The coach will choose the right players, and at the same time consider those who are suitable for Vietnamese colors," Mr. Tu emphasized.
In the case of Adou Minh, FIFA's confirmation of eligibility to play helps this player officially open up the opportunity to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey. Coach Kim Sang-sik will be the one to decide whether to call up the central defender of Hanoi Police in the upcoming training camps or not.
Adou Minh is playing for Hanoi Police and is considered one of the notable choices in defense. Being eligible to play for the Vietnamese national team helps coach Kim Sang-sik have more personnel options in the process of building the force.
In addition to the issue of naturalized players, VFF also updates the injury situation of midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. The Ninh Binh player is being treated for a minor groin tear and is practicing recovery at the club.
VFF has discussed with Ninh Binh about Hoang Duc's treatment process. The possibility of this midfielder returning to the Vietnamese national team will be considered based on the actual situation and assessment from the medical department before coach Kim Sang-sik makes a decision.
