Defending champions Rewa FC wasted no time sending a clear message to the rest of the Extra Premier League, thrashing neighbours Tailevu Naitasiri 4-0 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori to take an early lead after Round One.
The Delta Tigers were clinical and composed as they began their title defence in emphatic fashion.
Patrick Joseph opened the scoring in the 30th minute from the penalty spot after striker Epeli Valevou was brought down in the box by Tailevu goalkeeper Sitiveni Matalaba. The visitors’ troubles deepened on the stroke of halftime when captain Turendra Kumar was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Mohammed Ramzan.
Rewa struck again just before the break, with Mosese Nabose doubling the advantage to put the champions firmly in control.
Despite Tailevu attempting to tighten up defensively in the second spell, Rewa’s depth proved too strong. Substitute Semi Matalau marked his appearance with a goal in the 77th minute, finishing off a move created by Solomon Islands import Norman Nghafu to cap off a dominant performance.
Adding further positives for the Delta Tigers were the debuts of Fiji U16 rep Isoa Baselala and Fiji U19 rep Avishaan Chand, highlighting the club’s continued investment in youth development.
Meanwhile, at 4R Stadium in Ba, Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC delivered an attacking masterclass in a 5-2 victory over Nadroga.
It took just one minute for the Men-in-Black to stamp their authority, with debutant Sairusi Nalaubu netting the first goal of the 2026 season. Although Nalaubu missed a penalty in the 40th minute, Rusiate Doidoi reacted quickest to score from the rebound to extend Ba’s lead.
Nigerian import Elijah Abetam struck early in the second half to make it three. Nadroga fought back through Semesa Sacere and Tomasi Tuicakau, but Ba’s firepower proved too much. Nalaubu grabbed his second of the match before Penisoni Tirau sealed the emphatic win.
At Churchill Park, Suva FC showed grit to come from behind and hold Lautoka FC to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested encounter. Suva took the lead in the first half through Siotama Kubu, while Rusiate Matererenga found the equaliser in the second half to ensure both sides shared the spoils.
Nadi FC quietly moved into third place after edging Navua FC 1-0, courtesy of a second-half strike from Jimson Abana.
At Subrail Park in Labasa, Labasa FC and Nasinu FC battled to a scoreless draw, sharing the points in a match dominated by defensive discipline.
After an action-packed opening weekend, Rewa sit at the top on goal difference, with Ba close behind. If Round One is any indication, the 2026 Extra Premier League season promises fireworks.