FANS are being urged to turn out in numbers and support their districts as the Extra Premier League 2026 season kicks off this weekend.
Fiji Football Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf said the opening round will be exciting, with many teams strengthened by new players and fresh talent.
“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 said.
He added that with two matches in the West, two in the South and one in the North, supporters around the country will have the chance to witness quality football in the opening round.
The season gets underway in the North today when Labasa FC hosts Nasinu FC at Subrail Park in Labasa at 1.30pm. Labasa is expected to draw strong home support, while Nasinu will be eager to spoil the party and begin their campaign with a valuable away result.
One of the biggest highlights of Round One will be the much-anticipated Battle of the Cities clash, with Suva FC travelling to Churchill Park to face Lautoka FC tomorrow at 2pm.
In Nausori, newly promoted Tailevu Naitasiri FC will host arch-rivals and defending champions Rewa FC at Ratu Cakobau Park tomorrow at 3pm. The official opening ceremony for the 2026 season will take place at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, the Men-in-Black Ba FC will begin their campaign at home when they host Nadroga FC at Govind Park tomorrow at 3pm.
In Navua, Navua FC will take on Nadi FC at Uprising Sports Ground at 3pm. Nadi has strengthened its squad with the return of former players and new Solomon Islands recruits, while Navua will rely on home advantage after losing key players during the transfer window.
Yusuf said several teams have introduced new signings, including foreign players, which should make for an exciting opening round. He noted that Tailevu Naitasiri has recruited heavily, while Nadroga is focusing on developing home-grown talent with a new approach.
He also pointed to key matchups across the weekend, including Ba’s test against a youthful Nadroga side and the highly anticipated Lautoka versus Suva clash, with both teams bolstered by overseas players.
“It will be an exciting first round,” Yusuf said.
