Fiji Bolsters Defense Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Two London-based defenders have been included in the 29-member extended squad for Fiji’s Bula Boys as they prepare for the remaining matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifiers. Scott Wara, who plays for Stafford Rangers, and Josh Qereqeretabua from Charlton Athletic, both of whom have experience in national age-group World Cups, will bolster the team’s defense.

Other overseas players selected for the squad include team Captain Roy Krishna, Nabil Begg from Auckland, Wellington-based Mohammed Raheem, and Gabiriele Matanisiga. The squad also features Jerome Narayan, a Sydney-based goalkeeper, and midfielder Leroy Jennings from Sydney United.

Fiji kicked off its qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Solomon Islands in Suva on October 10, thanks to a goal from Roy Krishna. The team is set to travel to Papua New Guinea next month for matches against the hosts and New Caledonia in Group A.

New Caledonia recently triumphed over Papua New Guinea with a score of 3-1 in their opening match held in Suva. The Bula Boys, coached by Rob Sherman, will begin training camp on Sunday, October 29, at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.

The full Fiji squad includes: Joela Biuvanua, Simione Tamanisau, Jerome Narayan, Akuila Mateisuva, Filipe Baravilala, Sekove Naivakananumi, Samuela Kautoga, Scott Wara, Sterling Vasconcellos, Antonio Tuivuna, Gabriele Matanisiga, Josh Laqeretabua, Ivan Kumar, Kavaia Rawaqa, Setareki Hughes, Merrill Nand, Rahul Krishna, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Mohammed Raheem, Tevita Waranaivalu, Dave Radrigai, Leroy Jennings, Aporosa Yada, Nabil Begg, Thomas Dunn, Roy Krishna, Sairusi Nalaubu, Etonia Dogalau, and Christopher Wasasala.

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