At 43 years of age, Taniela Waqa continues to prove that experience remains one of football’s most valuable qualities. The former Fiji international scored the decisive goal in Labasa’s 2-1 victory over Nasinu on Thursday, October 8, sending the Babasiga Lions into the semi-finals of the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship with a powerful reminder of his remarkable longevity in Fijian football.
The veteran defender rose to head home the winner in the 56th minute at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, completing Labasa’s comeback after they had fallen behind during the first half. It was a crucial moment in a match that neither side could afford to lose, with both teams entering their final Group A encounter knowing that victory was necessary to guarantee progression.
Nasinu had initially taken control of the scoreboard through Nigerian striker Emmanuel Etim, who opened the scoring around the half-hour mark with a powerful effort from inside the penalty area. The goal threatened to end Labasa’s campaign prematurely, but the Northerners responded quickly through Eparama Moraica, who equalised in the 38th minute to restore parity before the interval.
With the score locked at 1-1, Labasa returned for the second half determined to secure the victory. Their increased pressure eventually produced the decisive moment when Waqa found the net with a header, putting the Babasiga Lions ahead for the first time in the contest. Nasinu continued searching for another goal, but Labasa successfully protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
For Waqa, however, the significance of the goal extends considerably beyond qualification for another domestic semi-final. Born on June 22, 1983, he began his football career in 1998, meaning his involvement in the game now stretches across 28 years. During that period, he has represented several major Fijian districts, played internationally for Fiji and also experienced football outside his homeland with Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.
His international career included being part of Fiji’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2003 South Pacific Games, a tournament played more than two decades before his latest decisive contribution for Labasa. The defender has remained an important figure in domestic football long after many players from his generation retired.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of his story is that Waqa had already publicly discussed retirement six years ago. In October 2020, following Labasa’s successful defence of the IDC title, the then 37-year-old announced his intention to retire at the end of the season. His farewell was even anticipated during that year’s Fiji FACT, with Labasa hoping to win the competition as a tribute to his contribution to the club.
Yet Waqa continued playing. In 2022, he scored during Labasa’s dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Ba in the Fiji FACT semi-finals, again demonstrating his ability to contribute in decisive knockout matches. Now, in 2026, he has delivered another crucial goal, this time with Labasa’s IDC survival directly at stake.
His importance is not restricted to what he produces on the pitch. Earlier this year, young Labasa midfielder Jovesa Uqe, one of the club’s emerging talents, acknowledged the guidance he had received from senior players Waqa and Christopher Wasasala while adapting to senior football. It illustrates the generational transition taking place within the Babasiga Lions, where players at the beginning of their careers share the dressing room with a footballer whose senior experience dates back to the previous century.
That blend of youth and experience has become particularly important during a challenging period for Labasa. The club entered the IDC following a disappointing Battle of the Giants campaign and a coaching change that saw Solomon Islands coach Jerry Sam replace Alvin Chand in September. Their preparations were further complicated by late squad changes, with Papua New Guinea internationals Rex Naime and Joseph Joe among four players withdrawn from the final tournament squad.
Nevertheless, Labasa have managed to reach the knockout stage. Their campaign began with another veteran delivering the decisive contribution, as Christopher Wasasala scored a spectacular late winner in a 2-1 victory over Suva. A convincing 3-0 defeat against defending champions Rewa followed, leaving the Babasiga Lions needing to defeat Nasinu in their final group encounter.
Once again, experience made the difference. After Wasasala rescued the opening match, Waqa ensured that Labasa would remain in contention for the trophy. The two victories gave the Northerners six points from three matches, enough to finish second in Group A behind Rewa.
Coach Jerry Sam praised his players for their commitment and discipline following the win over Nasinu, acknowledging the difficulty of the contest while recognising that his team must improve its finishing before Saturday’s semi-final. Labasa created several opportunities throughout the match but required Waqa’s second-half intervention to secure the result.
The Babasiga Lions will now return to HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday, October 10, for the second Super Premier semi-final, hoping to reach another IDC final after overcoming an uncertain beginning to their campaign.
For Taniela Waqa, the next match presents another opportunity to extend a career that appeared to be approaching its conclusion six years ago. At 43, he is no longer simply a veteran providing leadership and experience to younger teammates. He remains capable of deciding important matches himself, and his latest goal has ensured that Labasa’s hopes of IDC glory are still alive.
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