Fiji Football Association has confirmed that three players returned positive drug tests during the group stage of the 2026 Battle of the Giants, adding another development to an issue that has increasingly surrounded one of the country’s biggest football tournaments. According to FBC News, 72 tests were conducted across the three days of group-stage competition.Continue reading “BOG drug-testing total rises to three positive cases as Fiji FA scrutiny intensifies”
Author Archives: Rafael Saltori
Joe Bell becomes sixth All White to play in UEFA Champions League
Joe Bell has joined a small group in New Zealand football history after making his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League proper for Viking FK. The All Whites midfielder played the full 90 minutes as the Norwegian champions began their league-phase campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. Viking wereContinue reading “Joe Bell becomes sixth All White to play in UEFA Champions League”
Jimson Abana eyes new challenge after nine-goal Nadi season as overseas and Solomon Islands ambitions grow
Jimson Abana could be approaching the end of his spell with Nadi after a productive individual season in Fiji, with the Solomon Islands forward considering several possibilities for 2027 while continuing to pursue opportunities abroad. Speaking exclusively to Oceania Football Center, Abana confirmed that Nadi management would like him to remain at the club, butContinue reading “Jimson Abana eyes new challenge after nine-goal Nadi season as overseas and Solomon Islands ambitions grow”
Major setback for Luke Brooke-Smith as serious ankle injury threatens first Portsmouth season
Luke Brooke-Smith’s promising start to life in English football has been brought to an abrupt halt after the New Zealand international suffered a severe ankle injury in training with Portsmouth, with the extent of the damage raising fears that his first season in the Championship could already be over. The 18-year-old sustained a severe dislocationContinue reading “Major setback for Luke Brooke-Smith as serious ankle injury threatens first Portsmouth season”
Central Coast send major SIFF Super League warning with six-goal demolition of Ghupo Wantoks
Central Coast FC produced one of their most emphatic performances of the SIFF Super League season, sweeping aside third-placed Ghupo Wantoks 6-0 in a result that underlined just how dangerous the former national champions can still be. The match was effectively decided before the interval. Central Coast overwhelmed Ghupo from the opening stages and wentContinue reading “Central Coast send major SIFF Super League warning with six-goal demolition of Ghupo Wantoks”
Vanuatu United make history with 3-2 win over Central Coast Mariners in first fully professional club meeting on Vanuatu soil
Vanuatu football witnessed a landmark occasion at Freshwater Stadium as Vanuatu United defeated Central Coast Mariners 3-2 in Port Vila, in what became the first meeting between two fully professional football clubs ever staged on Vanuatu soil. The match was already historic before kickoff. Vanuatu United were playing their first official home fixture, while CentralContinue reading “Vanuatu United make history with 3-2 win over Central Coast Mariners in first fully professional club meeting on Vanuatu soil”
From Kurukuru champion to U-19 captain: Jayroll Patty stands one win from Solomon Islands history
Jayroll Patty is only 19, but the past year has already taken him through senior international futsal, professional football and now to the captaincy of a Solomon Islands side standing on the verge of history. The young midfielder has emerged as one of the outstanding players of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, andContinue reading “From Kurukuru champion to U-19 captain: Jayroll Patty stands one win from Solomon Islands history”
Away from the spotlight: Yagi Yasasa and Emmanuel Simon continue Australian journey with Bendigo City
When Yagi Yasasa and Emmanuel Simon left Papua New Guinea for Australia in March 2025, their move to Bendigo City attracted attention back home. More than a year later, however, the two Kapuls internationals have largely disappeared from the regional football headlines. Their Australian journey did not end after a short spell: both remained inContinue reading “Away from the spotlight: Yagi Yasasa and Emmanuel Simon continue Australian journey with Bendigo City”
Labasa turn to Jerry Sam as Alvin Chand steps down after BOG elimination
Labasa FC have made a major change to their technical leadership only days after the Babasiga Lions were eliminated from the 2026 Battle of the Giants, with Alvin Chand stepping down as head coach and experienced Solomon Islands coach Jerry Sam taking over the position. The Labasa Football Association officially announced the decision on Tuesday,Continue reading “Labasa turn to Jerry Sam as Alvin Chand steps down after BOG elimination”
Still great: Gagame Feni proves his goals have not gone anywhere at 34
There are players whose influence begins to fade quietly as a new generation takes centre stage. Gagame Feni continues to resist that process. At 34, the Solomon Islands international has once again placed himself among the main protagonists of a major tournament in Fiji, scoring four goals during the group stage of the 2026 BattleContinue reading “Still great: Gagame Feni proves his goals have not gone anywhere at 34”
