Mohammed Nabeel, hailing from New Zealand, is on the brink of realizing his aspiration to represent the national football team. The talented midfielder showcased an impressive performance for Auckland All-Stars, helping them secure the Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Auckland All-Stars triumphed over Manukau All Stars with a solid 2-0 victory in the final, with Eber Ramirez and Nicolas Bodadilla scoring the crucial goals. Nabeel’s outstanding contribution earned him the title of Best Player of the tournament.
Expressing his gratitude, Nabeel reflected on the honor and revealed that he has been selected to play for Fiji in the upcoming President’s Cup in the Solomon Islands later this month. “I did not expect the award but I’m thankful to the team,” he stated, conveying his excitement about representing Fiji. He emphasized that wearing the national jersey has been a dream of his since he moved to New Zealand in 2022.
The Auckland team also benefitted from the experience of veteran goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara and other skilled players, resulting in a total prize of $10,000 for their victory, while Manukau received $3,000.
In the semi-finals, Auckland All-Stars defeated the local team Lautoka 2-0, while Manukau secured their place in the final by overcoming USA All-Stars with the same scoreline.
Awards presented during the ceremony highlighted other exceptional performances: the Fair Play Award went to AUFFI All-Stars, Garbhan Coughlan claimed the Golden Boot with six goals, and Benamino Mateinaqara was named the recipient of the Golden Gloves. Shaneel Prasad from Auckland All-Stars was recognized as the Best Manager.
Nabeel’s rising prowess in football and his imminent debut with Fiji not only highlight his personal achievements but also serve as an inspiration to young athletes pursuing their dreams in sports. With such talent and determination, the future looks bright for both Nabeel and the Fijian national team.
This turn of events illustrates the growing potential in Pacific football, showcasing the region’s ability to produce remarkable talent that can make an impact on the international stage.
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