Cook Islands Prepare for Challenging OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025

The Cook Islands are gearing up for a challenging campaign in Group A of the upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Fiji from July 4 to July 10, 2025. Head coach Angela Wallbank expressed confidence in her side’s preparation and potential to advance deep into the tournament.

This year marks the Cook Islands’ fifth appearance at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, a significant milestone for the team. Wallbank emphasized that a renewed sense of purpose, alongside a revamped squad and recent competitive experiences, has positioned her team to face some of the strongest opponents in the Pacific region. "We’ve been preparing very well," Wallbank stated. "We’ve incorporated on-field sessions and off-field programs, and all the girls have been putting in the work. There’s a real hunger in the group to prove ourselves."

The Cook Islands will commence their campaign in Lautoka, opening against Tahiti on July 4, followed by matches against Samoa on July 7 and 2022 runners-up Papua New Guinea on July 10. Wallbank acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, stating, "It’s not going to be easy—it’ll take real effort to get through the group. All of those teams can play and score. We need to set ourselves up to do the same. If we play our game, we can go far."

The team’s preparations were bolstered by the participation of several players in the OFC Women’s Champions League in May, where Wallbank coached Tupapa Maraerenga, the domestic champions. Although Tupapa Maraerenga did not progress beyond the group stage, the experience provided invaluable exposure to higher-level competition. "That tournament really highlighted where the gaps are between our local players and some of the stronger OFC nations," Wallbank reflected. "Since then, we’ve worked hard on improving game awareness, sharpening technical fundamentals, and fostering a more tactical mindset."

In the previous edition of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup held in 2022, the Cook Islands managed to advance from the group stage but faced a setback in the quarterfinals, losing 2-0 to eventual runners-up Fiji. Despite the defeat, the performance was regarded as a step forward in the team’s development, adding to two prior third-place finishes in the tournament’s history.

The 2025 squad features a promising mix of players drawn from national age-group teams, overseas talent, and local veterans, all of whom bring valuable experience and determination to the campaign. Wallbank specifically highlighted the potential of 18-year-old Teupoko Tuariki, who has represented the Cook Islands at various age levels and participated in the Women’s Champions League. "She’s one of our younger players, but she’s come a long way," Wallbank said. "She soaks up everything. She’s improved tremendously since the start of the year."

As the Cook Islands prepare for their matches, the focus remains on building upon their previous experiences and striving for a deeper run in the competition. The OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025 promises to be a test of skill, resilience, and determination for the Cook Islands as they aim to showcase their growth in women’s football on an international stage.