Tsutomu Ogura has resigned as head coach of the Singapore national football team due to personal reasons.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced his departure on 24 Jun 2025.
Ogura Steps Down from Singapore National Football Team Role
Ogura informed the FAS of his decision several weeks ago, citing pressing personal matters that required his return to Japan.
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FAS worked closely with Ogura to explore various options to keep him in Singapore. The executive committee spent weeks in consultation trying to find solutions. However, the nature of his personal issues made it impossible for him to continue.
Gavin Lee, former head coach of BG Tampines Rovers and assistant coach of the national team, will serve as interim replacement. Lee will lead the Lions while FAS searches for a new permanent head coach.
FAS has begun the process of identifying and appointing the next head coach. The association is committed to securing a candidate who possesses the vision, expertise, and leadership qualities to elevate Singapore football to the next level.
Ogura’s Coaching Background and Singapore Record
FAS appointed Ogura as head coach in February 2024 on a two-year contract. He replaced Takayuki Nishigaya, making him the third consecutive Japanese head coach of the Singapore team.
Ogura brought substantial experience from his time with the Japan national team. He served as assistant coach from 2006 to 2010.
During this period, he played a role in Japan’s winning campaign at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Championship.
He also contributed to Japan’s success at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the team reached the Round of 16.
From 2010 to 2012, Ogura served as second head coach for Japan’s Olympic National Team. He helped guide them to a fourth-place finish in the 2012 London Olympics.
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After his national team duties, Ogura continued his coaching career with J1 and J2 clubs. He worked with Omiya Ardija, Ventforet Kofu, JEF United Chiba, and Yokohama F Marinos.
His first game as Singapore head coach came in March 2024. He led the Lions to a 2-2 draw with China in the World Cup Qualifiers match at the Singapore National Stadium.
The match drew 28,414 fans.
Ogura’s 16-match stint with the Lions produced five wins, three draws and eight losses. Two of those victories came in his final matches, when Singapore beat Maldives in a friendly and Bangladesh in an Asian Cup qualifier.
However, his tenure also included difficult defeats. The Lions lost 0-1 to Nepal in a friendly match in March 2025. Ogura called it “the worst game” the Lions played since he took charge.
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He said it was even worse than Singapore’s 0-7 loss to South Korea on 6 Jun 2024 during the 2026 World Cup qualifier match.
After the Nepal loss, Ogura criticised his squad for not playing “as a team”. He said they could not fight only when they fell behind their opponent or in the last few minutes of the game. Despite his criticism, Ogura took responsibility for the performance.
“I select the players, decide how we play, and show our concept of football. If we can’t show our football, it is my responsibility, and I apologise to our fans who came out today,” he said.
FAS expressed appreciation for Ogura’s professionalism, commitment, and contribution to Singapore football during his time at the helm. The association wishes him and his family well in their future endeavours.
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