Women’s nat’l team set for EAFF tourney on Guam

For the first time since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the NMI Football Association is sending a team to compete off-island, with the NMI Women’s National Team set to travel to neighboring Guam for the Women’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition 2026.

During a sendoff ceremony on Saturday, May 30, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan lobby, the NMI Football Association announced the team roster and competition schedule shortly after honoring its Class of 2026 graduates.

The NMI is in Group B alongside Chinese Taipei, with the two teams facing off twice—first on Friday, June 5, at 7:15pm and again on Sunday, June 7, at 2:30pm at the Guam Football Association Soccer Training Center.

The roster consists of Mia Abuan, Christina Atalig, Joselynn Atalig, Hailey Benavente, Alyssa Borlongan, Jannah Casarino, Jerlyn Castillo, Aubrey Castro, Kaithlyn Chavez, Julie Chavez, Orica George, Bernadette Horey, Khristelle Itaas, Summer Manahane, Deseha Mendiola, Dianne Pablo, Sophia Quintos, Gabrielle Race, Rizza Relucio, and Aubrey White.

Traveling with the team are head of delegation Luam Khen Koo, head coach Chi Min Tang, assistant coach Ronnel Ocanada, goalkeeper coach Kwok Poon, team manager Janelle Pangilinan, assistant team manager Yu Hung Lee, team media officer Renedel Buno, and team doctor Allen Rara.

NMIFA president Jerry Tan said that after the typhoon, association officials were still debating whether they would be able to participate in the tournament, an event NMIFA has competed in several times before. After much deliberation, they ultimately decided to enter this year's competition.

“I’m so happy to be standing here with all of you,” Tan said. “Thanks to the players, thanks to the parents’ support, and thanks to the coaches, we were able to make a decision and inform EAFF that we are competing, we are joining. They are very happy.”

Tan also announced that the U20 boys national team will travel to Mongolia to compete in Group I of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. He said a separate sendoff ceremony will be held for that team.

Then, referring to the success of the recently concluded President’s Cup Futsal Tournament held in honor of his and twin brother Raymond Tan’s birthday, Tan said NMIFA is eager to resume football activities throughout the community.

“Definitely, we want to bring football back to the community as soon as possible, as long as it is safe to do so. Best of luck to our women’s team, our coaches, and thank you to everyone for taking the time to be here, and friends and parents for your continuous support to all our players. Thank you,” he said.

After Tan, team captains Khristelle Itaas and Dianne Pablo also gave their thanks. Itaas thanked Tan for his continued support despite the challenges brought on by the typhoon, as well as the parents, coaches, and NMIFA staff.

Pablo added, “Thank you also to our EXCO members for making this possible. As Jerry mentioned, there was a lot of hard work that went into the recovery period of the field because of the Super Typhoon, so we’d just like to thank the hardworking staff and coaches for making sure we’re ready for this tournament.”

She also thanked the parents and players for their dedication and hard work.

The Class of 2026 that were honored were Raven Anderson, Edward Mendiola III, Jannah Casarino, Takeru Jim, MD. Arif Khan, Paul Lizama, Julie Chavez, Kohtaro Goto, Terrel Kileleman-Hix, Bernadette Horey, Khristelle Itaas, Nolan Ngewakl, Tyler Omelau, and Jack Raho.