From Tailevu Naitasiri to the OFC Nations Cup: Mosese Nabose’s unyielding journey with the Bula Boys

Mosese Nabose, the 25-year-old full-back for Fiji and Tailevu Naitasiri, recently made his debut for the Fiji national team at the OFC Nations Cup. The excitement of being named in the final squad and the starting eleven was immense for him. “For me, it’s a huge thing to make the final cut squad and also to be named in the starting eleven,” Nabose shared. The experience of hearing the national anthem on home soil was particularly moving. “Listening to the national anthem at home is something else, it’s like giving your best no matter what the circumstances are. Defending on our own soil is on another level where families and supporters are there to watch, willing to do anything to achieve our goal which will make everyone happy.”

Despite playing for a team that is currently at the bottom of the league, Nabose’s personal dedication and hard work have been instrumental in his fitness and tactical awareness. “Our team is at the bottom of the league and individually I really worked hard to get my fitness level up to that of the other district reps and also learn their tactics by observing them,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of team performance in his selection for the national squad. “The team performance is the main key to my selection because without them I wouldn’t be selected to the national squad. I am a forward player, build-up starts from the backline, and through them, I was able to score goals and assist some. Our team performance is the major factor to my selection.”

As the team heads to Port Vila, Vanuatu, to play the semifinal match against the hosts, Nabose is prepared to give his all. His journey from a local league player to a national team defender is a testament to his perseverance and dedication, inspiring many young players in Fiji.