SINGAPORE (Interstat) — Albirex Niigata FC (S) opened its Singapore Premier League season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hougang United on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bishan Stadium. The visitors’ attack overwhelmed the home side with four goals in a blistering 28-minute span in the second half. Shingo Nakano opened the scoring in the 33rd minute and added a second in the 55th. Yang Hyeonju then netted twice in quick succession, scoring in the 57th and 61st minutes. The result far exceeded the pregame projection from Interstat, whose simulator had predicted a 2-1 Albirex win. Albirex begins the league campaign at 1-0, while Hougang starts 0-1.