Papua New Guinea international Rex Naime has clarified the circumstances behind his absence from Labasa’s squad for the 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship, revealing exclusively to Oceania Football Center that he returned home to begin preparations for the upcoming OFC Pro League season rather than because of a financial disagreement with the Fijian club.
Naime and fellow PNG international Joseph Joe were among four players withdrawn from Labasa’s final 22-man IDC squad shortly before the tournament began in Suva on October 6. Their unexpected absence raised questions among supporters, particularly as both had been important additions to the Babasiga Lions during the domestic season.
Speaking directly to Oceania Football Center, Naime confirmed that he was already back in Papua New Guinea and explained that his professional commitments had prevented him from remaining in Fiji for the tournament.
“Because I have to prepare for the upcoming Pro League,” the forward said when asked why he would not be returning to represent Labasa.
Naime revealed that he had originally intended to participate in the IDC but needed to return home before October 5, when preparations for the next professional season were scheduled to begin.
“I was supposed to play in the IDC, but I had to be back before October 5 because our Pro League training starts on that date, so I came back,” he explained.
The clarification also addresses speculation surrounding the departures of the two Papua New Guinean players. Asked whether he and Joe had left Labasa because of disagreements over financial arrangements, Naime firmly rejected the suggestion.
“Nope,” he responded.
When asked whether Joseph Joe had returned to Papua New Guinea for the same reason, Naime confirmed that this was the case.
The explanation provides important context to Labasa’s late squad changes. Naime was replaced by Rapoama Dakai, while Joe’s place went to Meli Muasobu, leaving the Babasiga Lions without two players who had arrived from PNG Hekari earlier in the year.
Both internationals joined Labasa ahead of June’s Fiji FACT after representing PNG Hekari in the inaugural OFC Pro League. Their arrival strengthened the Fijian side with players accustomed to regional competition, although their involvement was ultimately cut short before the final major domestic tournament of the season.
Naime made an impression during his time in Fiji, scoring three goals in the 2026 Premier League, including against eventual champions Ba. He had previously enjoyed a productive continental campaign with Hekari, scoring four goals during their run to the 2025 OFC Men’s Champions League final.
His first OFC Pro League campaign also demonstrated his attacking qualities. The forward scored three times for PNG Hekari in 2026, with his speed and ability to threaten opponents on the counterattack attracting recognition from the Oceania Football Confederation.
In an earlier interview with Oceania Football Center, Naime spoke extensively about the importance of Hekari in his development, crediting the Papua New Guinean club with helping him reach the professional level.
“Hekari built me. Without Hekari, there is no Rex Naime at this level,” he said in August.
His latest comments underline the demands created by Oceania’s new professional football calendar, particularly for players who also represent clubs in domestic competitions elsewhere in the Pacific.
With the 2027 OFC Pro League scheduled to begin on January 22, preparations are already underway for another season involving eight professional clubs from across the region.
For Labasa, the timing meant losing two established Papua New Guinean players just as the club prepared for the IDC, where the Babasiga Lions have nevertheless progressed to the Super Premier semi-finals.
For Naime and Joe, the decision was dictated by the need to report for professional training in Papua New Guinea.
Their absence from the IDC, Naime has now made clear, was a matter of scheduling and preparation for the next OFC Pro League campaign, not a dispute over money.
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