The Solomon Islands are gearing up for their fourth appearance at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, with sights firmly set on another strong campaign in Fiji.
Drawn into a challenging Group B alongside Tonga, Vanuatu, and 2022 finalists Fiji, the Solomon Islands are bracing for a demanding group stage, but head coach Moses Toata is confident in the squad’s readiness.
“Our preparation as a team has gone really well,” said Toata. “We’ve been together for the past five weeks, building cohesion and sharpening our approach.”
A handful of players were late to camp after featuring in the OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti, but Toata says the squad has since come together well.
“We’re now a few weeks into camp with everyone back, and I think our preparation so far is solid,” he said.
The Solomon Islands have made steady progress in the region’s premier women’s football competition over the years, highlighted by a breakthrough third-place finish at the 2022 edition in Suva. That campaign included a thrilling penalty shootout win over Samoa in the third-place playoff — their best result at the tournament to date.
Last year they built on that momentum with a historic performance at the 2024 OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Samoa. The Solomon Islands topped their group with a dominant win over American Samoa, a draw with Papua New Guinea, and a 3-1 victory against Fiji, before defeating Samoa 2–0 in the semi-final. They went on to face New Zealand in the final, their first ever at this level, eventually losing 11–1 to the reigning champions. It marked a significant milestone for the national team, underlining their growing status in Oceania women’s football.
Toata knows his side faces a tough path again in Fiji.
“I’m expecting really tough encounters with all the teams in our group,” he said. “Tonga has been performing well recently, and Fiji — for me — is the team to beat. They’ve got a very strong squad and have prepared thoroughly.”
The Solomon Islands will open their campaign against host nation Fiji before facing Vanuatu and then Tonga to round out the group stage.
Among the players to watch are two standout performers that Toata believes could be game-changers this tournament.
“I have two players who are really standing out. Eileen Pegi, who’s been a consistent performer at international level, and Madeline Arukau, who is young but very talented,” he said.
Both players starred for Henderson Eels FC during the OFC Women’s Champions League. Pegi captained the team to the semi-finals, while Arukau made headlines with a brilliant hat-trick in their opening match against Tupapa Maraerenga FC.
Watch the full interview here:
Fixtures
V Fiji | 5 July, 7PM local time
V Vanuatu | 8 July, 4PM local time
V Tonga | 11 July, 7PM local time
