According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice, Nigerian-born striker Olaha Manh Duc and British-born forward Williams Minh Hoang were officially granted Vietnamese citizenship on September 18 after receiving decisions from the Vietnamese State President. The naturalization allows Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC to register both athletes as domestic players for the upcoming V-League campaign, while also expanding the talent pool for the national team as Williams secures his first international call-up.
Citizenship Decisions Presented in Ho Chi Minh City
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice hosted a ceremony on Friday afternoon to present the official State President decisions to the two foreign players, according to Tuoi Tre reporting. Olaha, born in 1997, adopted the Vietnamese name Olaha Manh Duc, while Lee, born in 2007, is now officially named Williams Minh Hoang, as detailed by Viet Explorer.
“I am very happy and delighted to become a Vietnamese citizen,” Olaha stated at the ceremony, according to Tuoi Tre. “I deeply appreciate everyone who has helped me make this dream come true. I promise to give my all to Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC and Vietnamese football.”
Did you know?
Williams Minh Hoang, born in 2007, stands at 1.9 meters tall, giving Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC a towering presence in the forward line alongside the 1.86-meter Olaha Manh Duc.
V-League Performance and Club Impact
Both players arrive at their new status following productive domestic club campaigns. Olaha scored nine goals in 26 V-League appearances for Song Lam Nghe An last season before transferring to Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC ahead of the 2026-27 season, as reported by Tuoi Tre. Williams recorded six goals across 17 V-League matches for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC in the 2025-26 season, alongside two goals in three National Cup appearances that helped secure the tournament title for the club.
By securing domestic player status, Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC gains tactical flexibility in its squad registration for the new V-League season.
National Team Call-Ups and Squad Depth
Beyond club competition, the naturalization directly impacts the Vietnam national team setup. Head coach Kim Sang Sik named Williams in a 23-man squad announced Thursday for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, according to Tuoi Tre.
Williams joins France-born defender Nguyen Adou Leygley Minh as one of two overseas players receiving their initial national team call-ups under Kim. The squad features five total forwards: Williams, Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Tai Loc, Dinh Bac, and Pham Gia Hung. According to Viet Explorer, Xuan Son and Tai Loc are naturalized players of Brazilian origin, including Rafaelson Fernandes—the goal-scorer for 2023-24 V.League 1 champions Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC who took the Vietnamese name Nguyen Xuan Son.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received Vietnamese citizenship at the September 18 ceremony?
Nigerian-born striker Olaha (now Olaha Manh Duc) and British-born forward Williams Lee (now Williams Minh Hoang) received their citizenship decisions from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice, according to Tuoi Tre.
How does this naturalization affect Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC?
The status change allows the club to register both players as domestic footballers for the V-League season.
Has Williams Minh Hoang been selected for the national team?
Yes. Head coach Kim Sang Sik included Williams in the 23-man squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia, as reported on Thursday.
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