By JOY OFASIA
The Solomon Islands women’s football team has won their first-ever OFC Women’s Nations Cup title, marking a significant achievement in the country’s sports history.
Among those leading the celebration is Diana Tasion of the Naha Women’s Football Club, who praised the team’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Papua New Guinea in Saturday’s grand final in Fiji. Naha Women’s Football Club played a key role in the historic win, with five of its players making the national squad.
Speaking at an official welcome event on Sunday at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) futsal hall, Tasion acknowledged the players’ dedication and the long journey they’ve taken to make this dream a reality.
“This is the hard work and the proof of the last five years,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard to get some recognition, to have a platform, so that women’s football can stand out.”
Tasion, a long-time advocate for women in sport, urged the players to see this victory not just as an end — but a beginning.
“It’s time for a change. It’s time for a change, and you will be the change. We need to believe in ourselves,” she said.
“I challenge the girls to work extra hard and make the country proud. We need to be the ones for tomorrow.”
Tasion highlighted the importance of continued dedication, training, and belief in their abilities.
“We must work toward it, we plan for it, and must show the resilience,” she added.
She also paid tribute to those who have supported the team and the sport over the years. She reminded them — the best is yet to come.
“I acknowledge all sponsorship and support, both financially and in kind. It has helped the club shape and develop players to represent the country,” she said.
The team’s Nations Cup title marks a new chapter for women’s football in the Solomon Islands, as they become just the fifth nation to ever lift the trophy.
