He was already mentioned in @naopon's roundups, but I figured he might as well have his own thread as I came across some stuff about him today. He last month joined J1 Nagoya Grampus: https://nagoya-grampus.jp/news/pressrelease/2023/1225post-2246.php That page says he was born in the U.S. in 2000 and has been in Japan for several years. His Wiki page says 1) he has some JYNT time and 2) he's Japan-born to Nigerian and Japanese parents. There's an article that backs up the parentage but not the birthplace, so I'm gonna go with the club. https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/839052 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KennedyEgbus_Mikuni Wiki does say he's the younger brother of Stevia Mikuni who, however, has been called Japan-born by a club. https://www.albirex.com.sg/en/news/43622/
Also, just confirming that he appeared for Japan in the 2019 FIFA U20s, so he's provisionally cap-tied to them. Zion Suzuki was also on that team.
Yup, Kennedy is listed by the J.League as being US-born, but apparently he was raised in the rural outskirts of Tokyo along with his 5 siblings. His (Japanese) mother was a competitive speed skater in her youth, and he also has a younger sister who aspires to play pro basketball.
Forgot that Mikuni is a dual nat, but he's finally established himself as a nailed-on regular starter in J1 (30 starts this year for Nagoya). Seems like he's been around forever, but still just 24. Huge frame and good mobility, still cleaning up his game a bit - I think we might see him in Europe.
Mikuni shows off his aerial prowess in a J.League Cup semifinal leg. トクのコーナーキックを叩き込んだのはケネ💥💥2024.10.9 横浜Ｆ・マリノス戦#三國ケネディエブス @kennedy0623#徳元悠平 @tokumoto05#grampus#グランパス#ルヴァンカップ pic.twitter.com/2YkQw1IQMG— 名古屋グランパス / Nagoya Grampus (@nge_official) October 9, 2024
Mikuni gets the start in a 2-2 draw with Vissel Kobe. Lowest-rated on the team in one thing I saw, though. Schmidt still hurt.
Mikuni started in the middle of the backline and played the whole match, but Nagoya Grampus lose again and are in last place with just one point from four matches.
Mikuni played the whole match in a 2-1 loss, with the keeper taking most of the blame over the defense. Still winless in six to start the season, and firmly in last.
Subbed on at the half with the match scoreless, and they went on to lose 2-0. Still winless in matches he has played in.
Mikuni went the distance with good ratings in a scoreless draw with Okayama. Four points from the last two matches have pulled them out of the relegation zone. Daniel Schmidt has been out of the squad for the last couple of matches, both shutouts for Nagoya Grampus.
Starring performance today for Mikuni in a 1-1 draw with Avispa Fukuoka. They drop into the relegation zone because of a win by Yokohama FC. Daniel Schmidt again not on the matchday roster.
Mikuni plays all of a 2-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds that lifts them out of the relegation zone. Very quiet personal stats. Nagoya outshoot a theoretically superior team 28-3, so maybe not much for a CB to do.
Mikuni (on the right) celebrating a 3-0 Cup victory over Veroskronos Tsuno, who are a fifth division side. Onto the third round.
Kennedy and friends celebrating a 2-1 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima. 90 minutes, one shot, 5/6 on duels, strong team defense. Didn't concede until the 90th when it was almost too late. Ryo Germain started for the opposition with middling ratings, Daniel Schmidt backup keeper for Nagoya Grampus.