Lagos — After falling by the wayside in the very first round of Nigeria 2009, Japan has given indication of its willingness to upgrade some of the players by offering them opportunity of top levels football.

The Japanese failed to stamp their presence at the tournament and deservedly had to make an early departure after coming last in Group B in Lagos following their failure to amass a single point in three matches.

A member of the Japan Football Association, Hirai Tetsu disclosed that the board was weighing on equipping the players for the challenge ahead by elevating them to either the Olympic or full national team.

Japan under the guidance of coach Yutaka Ikeuchi lost its bearing and was effectively eliminated from the tournament after losing 2-0 to Mexico last Friday.

Tetsu who described the young Blue Samurai's performance as disappointing said that the federation was now considering the option of a long term future for the players.

"We are sad by our ouster. The team need experience to score and you can't get that by playing only domestic football. The federation has now decided to take a strategic decision as regards the future of the players by giving them the experience they need which will only come with playing for either the Olympic or senior national team" Tetsu said.

Despite Japan's elimination the side won the admiration of the fans for their beautiful and attack oriented philosophy of play.

Yuki Horigome and Shuto Kojima created about half a dozen of chances against Mexico but failed to convert one in the disappointing loss to their CONCACAF rivals.

Tetsu said the Japan FA appreciated the support the Lagos local fans gave to the team saying:" we feel sorry because they gave us everything except that we cant deliver".

Speaking about their experience while in Nigeria, Tetsu said everything about the west African country is different.

"The time is different, weather is different, the people are different and even the food: it is different".