Born in Nauru, Petoa started playing football at the age of ten before becoming a naturalized Tuvalu citizen and joining Vatokami in 2005 which would change its name to FC Tofaga the same year.[citation needed]
In 2012, Petoa was discovered by Dutch manager Foppe de Haan and signed for Dutch side Brabantia along with Vaisua Liva, initially training with their reserve team.[3]
In 2013, he signed for New Zealand side Waitakere City with Vaisua Liva, becoming the first professional Tuvaluan players in history.[4]
International career
Petoa has been regarded as one of the best players in Tuvalu and is the all-time top scorer of the Tuvalu national team.[5]
On 22 August 2011, Petoa debuted for the Tuvalu national team during a 3–0 win over Samoa, scoring a hat-trick in what was Tuvalu's first international match in four years and their highest victory in history.[6]
On 8 June 2018 at the CONIFA World Football Cup in London, Petoa scored two goals, putting Tuvalu ahead of Tamil Eelam, only for their opponents to stage a dramatic comeback in stoppage time to win 4–3.[7]
Style of play
Petoa mainly operates as a striker and is known for his dribbling.[8]
Personal life
Petoa had not been in a plane until he arrived in the Netherlands to sign for Dutch side Brabantia.[5]
Career statistics
Scores and results list Tuvalu's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Petoa goal.
List of international goals scored by Alopua Petoa[9][10]
