Oceania Football Confederation says it is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fiji U‑19 goalkeeper Francine Lockington, who passed away in Lautoka over the weekend.
Lockington was due to travel to New Zealand with her teammates to participate in the OFC U‑19 Women’s Championship but withdrew shortly before the team departed Fiji for Auckland due to illness.
A promising young talent, Lockington picked up the Golden Glove award at the OFC U‑17 Women’s Championship in 2016, and also won the Fiji FA Women’s Footballer of the Year.
OFC President David Chung said his thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time.
Chung says as a father, he can only imagine what Francine’s family are going through.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf says it is a sad day for Fiji as it loses a player with a very bright future ahead of her.
Yusuf says Fiji FA and all women footballers and executives will surely miss this young woman who was passionate and committed and had so much to offer to the sport.
There will be a moment's silence observed ahead of the OFC U‑19 Women's Championship match between Samoa and Fiji at 3pm this afternoon
