Vanuatu international striker Alex Saniel has returned to Australian football after completing a mid-season move to Caroline Springs George Cross. The 29-year-old joins the Melbourne-based club following an outstanding campaign with Vanuatu United FC in the inaugural OFC Pro League, where he finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 11 goals. Saniel’s move was completedContinue reading “OFC Pro League Golden Boot winner Alex Saniel makes George Cross debut after Australian move”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Fiji unable to stop New Zealand as Junior All Whites claim 11th consecutive Oceania U-16 title
Fiji’s strong campaign was not enough to stop New Zealand, as the Junior All Whites produced another dominant performance to win the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final 5-0 at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The final confirmed the challenge Fiji were expected to face against the tournament favourites. Sunil Kumar’s side had reachedContinue reading “Fiji unable to stop New Zealand as Junior All Whites claim 11th consecutive Oceania U-16 title”
New Caledonia international Joseph Athale joins Rewa ahead of OFC Champions League
Rewa FC have completed one of their most intriguing signings ahead of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, bringing New Caledonia international Joseph Athale to Fiji from professional side Tahiti United. The 31-year-old arrives with considerable experience in Oceania, France and international football. His versatility should provide Rewa with an important tactical option as theContinue reading “New Caledonia international Joseph Athale joins Rewa ahead of OFC Champions League”
Solomon Islands defeat Papua New Guinea on penalties to secure FIFA U-17 World Cup return
Solomon Islands have secured Oceania’s final qualification place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 after defeating Papua New Guinea in a dramatic penalty shootout at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Henry Fa’arodo’s side recovered from conceding in the second half to draw 1-1 with the tournament hosts before winning the shootout 4-1,Continue reading “Solomon Islands defeat Papua New Guinea on penalties to secure FIFA U-17 World Cup return”
Solomon Islands’ S-League returns, but administrative problems have left some of the country’s biggest clubs outside
The SIFF Super League returns this weekend after a lengthy delay, but the beginning of a new season cannot conceal a difficult question for football in Solomon Islands: how can the country’s leading domestic competition move forward without several of the clubs that defined its recent history? Central Coast will begin their title defence asContinue reading “Solomon Islands’ S-League returns, but administrative problems have left some of the country’s biggest clubs outside”
Papua New Guinea talent heads to England after earning place at 433 Football Academy
A promising footballer from Papua New Guinea has taken an important step towards his professional ambitions, with Ruach Wemin leaving Australia to continue his development at the 433 Football Academy in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The academy confirmed Wemin’s arrival through its social media channels, welcoming the Papua New Guinean as the number ten of Southern StrikersContinue reading “Papua New Guinea talent heads to England after earning place at 433 Football Academy”
World Cup-bound Fiji and New Zealand meet for Oceania U-16 title in Port Moresby
Fiji and New Zealand have already secured their places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027, but their campaign in Papua New Guinea is not over. The two sides will meet at the PNG Football Stadium this Saturday to decide the champions of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. The final kicks off at 7:30pm localContinue reading “World Cup-bound Fiji and New Zealand meet for Oceania U-16 title in Port Moresby”
Football runs in the family as George Lea’i and Nigel Gunemba battle for final U17 World Cup place
Two young players carrying two of Melanesian football’s most recognisable family names will meet in Port Moresby on Saturday, when Solomon Islands face Papua New Guinea for Oceania’s final place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027. George Lea’i, the younger brother of Solomon Islands star Raphael Lea’i, and Nigel Gunemba, son of former PapuaContinue reading “Football runs in the family as George Lea’i and Nigel Gunemba battle for final U17 World Cup place”
Vanuatu’s passion for Brazil wins hearts and makes headlines worldwide during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is over following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, but the five-time champions did not leave the tournament without receiving remarkable support from the South Pacific. (The Guardian) Thousands of kilometres away from Brazil, Ni-Vanuatu football fans took to the streets wearing yellow shirts, carryingContinue reading “Vanuatu’s passion for Brazil wins hearts and makes headlines worldwide during the 2026 FIFA World Cup”
Raphael Lea’i shines and scores as Adelaide City edges past Adelaide Comets in NPL South Australia elimination final
In a thrilling NPL South Australia elimination final, Solomon Islands football star Raphael Lea’i played a crucial role in Adelaide City’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide Comets on Saturday. The match, held at Adelaide City Park, was a tense affair with both teams battling for a spot in the playoffs. Adelaide Comets took an early leadContinue reading “Raphael Lea’i shines and scores as Adelaide City edges past Adelaide Comets in NPL South Australia elimination final”
Oceania Football Center 