It was a special outing for 20-year-old Fiji soccer men’s attacking midfielder Nabil Begg after running out for the first time at home in national colours.
The former Kamil Muslim College student played his ninth international game at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Sunday.
Begg has many special memories at the national stadium while playing for Ba football but on Sunday, he got to play in front of his parents and home crowd as a national player.
“This game was very special since it was my first time wearing the Fiji jumper here at home and playing in front of my parents so, for me it was a real privilege and proud moment for me to represent my country at home,” he shared after the Bula Boys 5-1 victory over Papua New Guinea on Sunday.
The Auckland City under-23 player netted Fiji’s first goal in the match and assisted in Thomas Dunn’s goal in the 43rd minute.
When asked how he handles himself in such pressure matches, the Ba lad pointed back home.
“I make sure to pray before the games, and have a quick chat with my mum and dad and they give me some words of motivation that help me a lot during the game. I just try to tune in during game day and not focus on anything else.
“My parents left Ba in the morning and reached Suva one hour before the game so, I met them and got some kisses from mum,” Begg shared.
He is expected to make the starting 11 in their second pool match against Samoa tomorrow.
