NEC Nijmegen drops Japanese forwards Koki Ogawa, Kaito Sano from CL squad

NEC Nijmegen omitted Japanese internationals Koki Ogawa and Kaito Sano from its UEFA Champions League qualifying matches against Olympiacos. Coach Dick Schrijder said Ogawa was left out because he had only been back in training for a week and emphasized that the trip was "not a school trip" and that players must accept the decision. He added that anyone who cannot follow the decision should consider moving elsewhere.

Sano also missed the first leg, reportedly after he asked to sit out, citing sleep deprivation and other factors. The coach confirmed Sano’s request and noted that a transfer to PSV Eindhoven is imminent after a failed move to Hoffenheim. Both players remain under contract with NEC but are expected to leave soon.