As the Extra Premier League 2026 season kicks off this weekend, fans are encouraged to rally behind their local teams, according to Fiji Football Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf. He described the opening round as a thrilling event with many clubs enhancing their rosters with fresh talent and new players.
“Fans need to go and support their districts. It will be an exciting Premier League this season. Own your teams, own your districts because the first game is important, especially for those hosting the matches,” Yusuf emphasized.
This season’s opening matches are poised to give supporters across the nation an excellent opportunity to witness high-quality football, with two games scheduled for the West, two for the South, and one for the North. The season kicks off in the North as Labasa FC takes on Nasinu FC at Subrail Park in Labasa at 1:30 PM today. Labasa is expected to enjoy robust home support, while Nasinu looks to disrupt the home side’s momentum.
One of the standout moments of Round One will be the anticipated “Battle of the Cities,” featuring Suva FC visiting Lautoka FC at Churchill Park tomorrow at 2 PM. Additionally, in Nausori, newly promoted Tailevu Naitasiri FC will host defending champions Rewa FC at Ratu Cakobau Park tomorrow at 3 PM, complemented by the official opening ceremony for the 2026 season scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Meanwhile, Ba FC, known as the Men-in-Black, will initiate their campaign at home against Nadroga FC at Govind Park tomorrow at 3 PM. In another match, Navua FC is set to face Nadi FC at Uprising Sports Ground at 3 PM. Nadi has strengthened its lineup with returning players from the past and new recruits from the Solomon Islands, while Navua hopes to leverage home advantage despite losing key players to transfer.
Yusuf highlighted that numerous teams have made substantial signings, including international players, setting the stage for an exhilarating opening round. Notably, Tailevu Naitasiri has made significant recruitment strides, while Nadroga is focusing on nurturing local talent through a renewed strategy.
The key matchups throughout the weekend, such as Ba’s encounter with a youthful Nadroga side and the eagerly awaited Lautoka versus Suva clash featuring teams enhanced by overseas players, promise to make this inaugural round a thrilling spectacle.
“It will be an exciting first round,” Yusuf concluded, setting an optimistic tone for the season ahead.
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