The Fiji National Women’s football team will take on American Samoa in an international friendly this Saturday at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba, in what Head Coach Nikola Demaine describes as a vital preparation match ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers.
Demaine believes the encounter comes at the perfect time as the squad continues to fine-tune combinations and build momentum leading into the qualifiers, which are just weeks away.
“It’s going to be a good build-up match as we have just a few weeks away for the qualifiers,” said Demaine.
“These types of games are important for us to test our structures, build match fitness, and strengthen combinations under real match conditions.”
The coach emphasized that the team has shown steady improvement in recent training sessions, with a strong sense of unity developing within the squad.
“The team is gelling well. The players have been working extremely hard at training, and there’s a positive energy in the camp. You can see that they are hungry and motivated,” she said.
“We’re focusing on consistency, quick transitions, and being more clinical in front of the goal.”
Demaine also confirmed the arrival of two overseas-based players who have boosted the squad’s depth and experience. USA-based Trina Davis and New Zealand-based Ka’iulani Scott joined the team last week and have quickly integrated into the setup.
“Having Trina and Ka’iulani join the squad has been fantastic,” Demaine said.
“They bring valuable international exposure and professionalism. They’ve slotted in well, and their presence lifts the overall standard of the group.”
While the friendly is primarily about preparation, Demaine made it clear that the team will approach the match with a competitive mindset.
“We want to build a winning mentality. Every time we step onto the field, we represent Fiji, and that comes with pride and responsibility,” she said.
“This match is about sharpening our game, but it’s also about setting the tone for what we want to achieve in the qualifiers.”