From futsal in Solomon Islands to leading Nasinu: Billy Afi makes his mark at the Battle of the Giants

Billy Afi’s journey from futsal in Solomon Islands to becoming one of Nasinu’s leading figures in Fiji has taken another significant step at the 2026 Battle of the Giants, where the midfielder has captained the side, scored important goals and helped them reach the semifinals.

The Solomon Islander has been one of the standout figures in a Nasinu team that has performed considerably better in the tournament than its league campaign might have suggested. With regular captain Micah Dau away representing Fiji at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, Afi was handed the armband for the BOG and has embraced the additional responsibility.

Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center, Afi said the tournament has represented an important moment for a team that has been rebuilding its place among Fiji’s competitive sides.

“Our captain went for the U-19 OFC, so I captained the team for this BOG,” Afi explained. “Looking at the team’s performance, this BOG has been good compared to the league.”

Nasinu’s campaign has also brought Afi himself into greater attention. He found the net during the pool stage against Navua with a remarkable free-kick, before scoring again against Suva as Nasinu secured a crucial 2-1 victory. That result helped push the side into the semifinals, with fellow Solomon Islander Paul Francis also scoring in the win.

The free-kick against Navua was particularly memorable, not least because Afi admitted it was hardly something he had rehearsed extensively.

“I never train any free-kicks. I just wanted to try it, but it went in,” he told OFCe.

Against Suva, his goal came in a very different way, with Afi finding the net from a cross-shot as Nasinu continued their strong tournament. His ability to contribute further forward also helps clarify something that has occasionally been confused in profiles of the player. Although Afi has sometimes been listed as a defender, he considers midfield his primary position.

“I played both attack and defence,” he said. Asked where he usually plays, his answer was straightforward: “Midfield.”

That versatility has accompanied Afi throughout a career that began in a different version of the game. Back in Solomon Islands, he first developed through futsal before moving into senior football with Henderson Eels, one of the country’s most established clubs.

“I started playing futsal, then later I joined Henderson Eels Football Club in 2022, 2023 and 2024,” Afi said.

His move to Fiji came last year, and football was the reason behind it. Afi initially joined Naitasiri after being approached through the club’s futsal setup.

“The Naitasiri futsal coach called me to join both futsal and football, so I joined them,” he explained.

His performances there soon attracted attention elsewhere. Nasinu’s coach saw Afi playing for Naitasiri and contacted him directly about making the switch.

“Nasinu’s coach saw me playing with Naitasiri last year, so he messaged me and told me he was interested in bringing me to Nasinu. So I came,” Afi said.

The transition from Solomon Islands football to Fiji also required adaptation. Afi highlighted one characteristic in particular when describing the difference he encountered.

“What I experienced was that Fiji soccer is very physical,” he said.

He has nevertheless settled into that environment and believes his time with Nasinu has been positive. Beyond the BOG itself, Afi points to the club’s ability to return to Fiji’s major tournaments as an indication of progress.

“It’s been good so far. After so long, Nasinu again qualified for three major tournaments here in Fiji,” he said.

The Battle of the Giants has arguably provided the clearest evidence of that progress. Nasinu entered the competition without the same expectations placed on some of Fiji’s traditional powers, but their pool-stage performances carried them into the final four.

Their semifinal opponent, Rewa, presents another significant challenge. Afi is well aware of the experience within the opposition but does not see Nasinu as simply making up the numbers.

“It’s not going to be easy for us because Rewa have experienced players and they are a really good team here in Fiji. But I believe in my boys. We are going to give them a good match,” he said.

Then came the line that perhaps best reflects Nasinu’s tournament so far.

“Anything can happen.”

Afi’s performances have also inevitably raised another question: whether his form in Fiji could open the door to the Solomon Islands national team. With the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup approaching, the midfielder could have another opportunity to place himself in contention.

He remains cautious about that possibility.

“I don’t know. We will see if there is any chance to be part of the national team for the MSG,” Afi said.

For a player who began through futsal, established himself with Henderson Eels and then took the opportunity to continue his career abroad, the past year has already represented a significant change. From Naitasiri to Nasinu, and now from squad member to BOG captain and goalscorer, Afi has steadily increased his influence in Fiji.

The semifinal against Rewa offers another opportunity to do so. Nasinu have already exceeded some expectations during the tournament, while Afi has turned the competition into one of the strongest individual stretches of his time in Fiji. Another big performance could extend both Nasinu’s unlikely BOG run and the conversation about where the Solomon Island midfielder’s career may take him next.