'You make the nation proud': Solomon Islands women's team celebrated after OFC triumph

RNZ News

6 days ago

Solomon Islands celebrate their second goal during the OFC 2025 Women's Nations Cup against reigning champions Papua New Guinea in Suva. 19 July 2025
Photo:
Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
Solomon Islands women's soccer team has been praised by both the country's prime minister and opposition leader following their Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Women's Nations Cup title win in Suva over the weekend.
SIBC
reported that with thousands of fans welcoming the team home on Sunday, both Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and opposition leader Matthew Wale congratulated the team's success.
Solomon Islands, under the mentorship of interim head coach Moses Toata,
defeated
Papua New Guinea 3-2 in the final of the OFC Women's Nations Cup for the first time ever.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation's national women's team in Honiara on Monday, 21 July. Thousands of supporters greeted captain Ileen Pegi, coach Moses Toata and the players to show their appreciation for winning the OFC Women's Nations Cup title in Fiji.
Photo:
Oceania Football Confederation
Manele said this achievement is a proud moment for the country and "shows the resilience, talent, and determination of Solomon Islands women in sport".
"Congratulations to our ladies' soccer team. You make the nation proud by winning the OFC Championship Cup - first time to reach the final and win the trophy," Manele said in a statement.
"This victory has brought joy to our people and lifted the nation's spirit. It reflects our strength and the power of teamwork and perseverance.
"This is a moment of pride for all Solomon Islanders. Thank you, girls, for showing what is possible."
Manele also acknowledged the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the coaching staff, and team management for their role in supporting the team throughout the tournament.
Wale said the team's historic triumph was "a moment of immense national pride and a testament to the talent, discipline, and resilience of Solomon Islands women in sport".
"I join today with all Solomon Islanders across the nation to congratulate the Women's National Team on this historic achievement. You have brought tremendous pride and joy to all our islands," Wale said.
"To the full squad, from the substitutes to the starting eleven, the captain Ileen Pegi, you have all done exceptionally well!.
"Congratulations also to Moses Toata and the entire coaching and management team. Your belief and guidance were instrumental in taking our women all the way to this historic moment."
Wale said the victory would continue to inspire Solomon Islands girls to pursue football and other sports.
"This is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we invest in our women and girls," he said.
"Our female athletes have shown that they can compete and succeed on the regional stage. They deserve our full recognition and unwavering support."
Solomon Islands are OFC Women's Nations Cup champions, and it's Moses Toato led the Solomon Islands women's team to their first-ever OFC Women's Nations Cup title.
Photo:
Oceania Football Confederation
Former Solomon Islands men's team captain Batram Suri said he was proud of what the team has achieved.
Suri was the team coach earlier this year but was suspended by Solomon Islands Football Association (SIFA).
"Yes, I am the happiest man," Suri said on Monday.
"Eventhough I am on suspension, my heart is with the team and I am very glad to see them win the grand final."
Suri had worked with current coach Toata, who is also the technical director with SIFA.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Football Association (FFA) will review the contract of their national women's team coach Angeline Chua.
FFA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf confirmed with RNZ Pacific that a review is underway.
"The board and council members expressed disappointment at our performance and all the team management staff have until Friday to complete full report," Yusuf said.
"This will be analysed and then a decision will be made."
If the report is unfavourable Chua will be released from her contract.
Fiji failed to make the final, losing to PNG in the semi-final then lost to Samoa for third spot, a major upset in the history of women's competition.
The Fijians had a number of overseas-based players playing for them.
In another development, the Fiji FA has parted ways with men's team head coach Rob Sherman.
Yusuf said Sherman's contract included being relieved of his contract if the team failed to qualify for the final two at the OFC World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
"This was by mutual agreement and as such he actually finished on July 20," Yusuf said
"This was part of his contract that should we fail to reach the final two at the OFC World Cup playoff then we could end his contract."
Yusuf said they will advertise the position this week and hope to appoint a new coach by August.