Nigel Dabinyaba
{{Short description|Papua New Guinean footballer (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Nigel Dabinyaba
| image =
| full_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|10|26|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Lae, Papua New Guinea
| height = 1.82 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub = Lae City
| clubnumber = 9
| years1 = 2009–2010
| clubs1 = Gigira Laitepo Morobe
| caps1 =
| goals1 =
| years2 = 2010–2011
| clubs2 = Besta PNG United
| caps2 =
| goals2 =
| years3 = 2011–2014
| clubs3 = Hekari United
| caps3 =
| goals3 =
| years4 = 2014–2016
| clubs4 = Lae City
| caps4 =
| goals4 = 11
| years5 = 2016
| clubs5 = Western Pride
| caps5 = 2
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2016
| clubs6 = Canterbury United
| caps6 = 2
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2017–2018
| clubs7 = Penang FA
| caps7 = 18
| goals7 = 3
| years8 = 2018–
| clubs8 = Lae City
| caps8 =
| goals8 = 9
| years9 = 2018
| clubs9 = Hamilton Wanderers
| caps9 =
| goals9 =
| years10 = 2019
| clubs10 = Malaita Kingz
| caps10 =
| goals10 =
| nationalyears1 = 2011
| nationalteam1 = Papua New Guinea U20
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 2012
| nationalteam2 = Papua New Guinea U23
| nationalcaps2 = 4
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2014–
| nationalteam3 = Papua New Guinea
| nationalcaps3 = 19
| nationalgoals3 = 11
| club-update = 8 February 2020
| nationalteam-update = 7 October 2022
}}
Nigel Dabinyaba (born 26 October 1992), sometimes spelt Nigel Dabingyaba, is a Papua New Guinean footballer who plays as a forward for Lae City FC in the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League, as well as the Papua New Guinea national team.{{cite web|title=Soccerway profile|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/nigel-dabingyaba/189799/|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-date=26 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326200817/http://int.soccerway.com/players/nigel-dabingyaba/189799/|url-status=live}} Besides Papua New Guinea, he has played in New Zealand and Malaysia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.looppng.com/sport/dreams-come-true-dabinyaba-52165|title=Dreams come true for Dabinyaba|publisher=looppng.com|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003902/https://www.looppng.com/sport/dreams-come-true-dabinyaba-52165|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-excels-in-new-environment/|title=Dabinyaba excels in new environment|publisher=postcourier.com.pg|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003904/https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-excels-in-new-environment/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-happy-back-lae-fold/|title=Dabinyaba happy to be back in Lae fold|publisher=postcourier.com.pg|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003903/https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-happy-back-lae-fold/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-standing-out-in-australia/|title=Dabinyaba standing out in Australia|publisher=postcourier.com.pg|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232331/https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-standing-out-in-australia/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/dabinyaba-happy-dweller/|title=Dabinyaba happy to be a Dweller|publisher=thenational.com.pg|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=26 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726175315/https://www.thenational.com.pg/dabinyaba-happy-dweller/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/05/28/the-historical-nigel-dabinyabas-stint-in-malaysia/|title=The historical Nigel Dabinyaba’s stint in Malaysia|publisher=oceaniafootballcenter.org|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003901/https://oceaniafootballcenter.org/2020/05/28/the-historical-nigel-dabinyabas-stint-in-malaysia/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://majoriti.com.my/netzkorner/2023/05/31/papua-new-guinea-ganti-yaman-039ex039-bintang-import-penang-senjata-rahsia-bertemu-hm|title=Nigel Dabinyaba - Majoriti article|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003903/https://majoriti.com.my/netzkorner/2023/05/31/papua-new-guinea-ganti-yaman-039ex039-bintang-import-penang-senjata-rahsia-bertemu-hm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/dabinyaba-to-make-his-own-story/|title=DABINYABA TO MAKE HIS OWN STORY|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719003912/https://www.oceaniafootball.com/dabinyaba-to-make-his-own-story/|url-status=live}}
He has won seven National Soccer League titles, including three with Hekari United and four with Lae City FC. Internationally, he has earned 18 caps and scored 8 goals since his debut in 2014.
Early life
Dabinyaba was born in Lae,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds-run-riot/|title=Reds run riot|last=|first=|date=2 February 2015|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232424/https://www.thenational.com.pg/reds-run-riot/|url-status=live}} and attended Bugandi High School.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/gl-morobe-keen-to-keep-fire-alight-after-big-5-1-win/|title=GL Morobe keen to keep fire alight after big 5-1 win|last=|first=|date=18 January 2010|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232737/https://www.thenational.com.pg/gl-morobe-keen-to-keep-fire-alight-after-big-5-1-win/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/thriller-in-nsl/|title=Thriller in NSL|last=|first=|date=21 February 2010|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232437/https://www.thenational.com.pg/thriller-in-nsl/|url-status=live}}
Club career
{{Quote box
| quote = He is just 18 and his discipline, commitment and attitude towards training is like a veteran or a senior player [...] [the coach] always banks on him.
| source = – Morobe FC club manager Stanley Khanna
| align = left
| width = 15%
| quoted = 1
| salign = right
}}
= Domestic beginnings =
Aged 18, Dabinyaba played for Gigira Laitepo Morobe in the 2009–10 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png09.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2009|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323020931/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png09.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/thrilling-finish-to-nsl-matches-in-lae/|title=Thrilling finish to NSL matches in Lae|last=|first=|date=5 April 2010|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232330/https://www.thenational.com.pg/thrilling-finish-to-nsl-matches-in-lae/|url-status=live}} He had been rejected by Besta PNG United ahead of the season, but was described as 'one of the most consistent players in the team' by manager Stanley Khanna. The side reached the Grand Final of the competition, before being beaten 5–0 by Hekari United.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-rock/|title=Hekari rock|first=|date=25 April 2010|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815120542/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-rock/|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba was recruited by Besta PNG United, the PNGFA-sanctioned development team, ahead of the 2010–11 season,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/business-as-usual-for-nsl-champions/|title=Business as usual for NSL champions|last=|first=|date=24 November 2010|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232424/https://www.thenational.com.pg/business-as-usual-for-nsl-champions/|url-status=live}} with the side finishing fourth in the regular season table. Dabinyaba was then selected to represent the Lae Football Association in the 2011 Besta Cup,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/lfa-name-squads-for-besta-cup/|title=LFA name squads for Besta Cup|last=|first=|date=14 April 2011|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232357/https://www.thenational.com.pg/lfa-name-squads-for-besta-cup/|url-status=live}} which the side went on to win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2011.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2010/11|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208154743/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2011.html|url-status=live}}
= Hekari United =
Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Dabinyaba was recruited by champions Hekari United.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-belt-newcomers/|title=Hekari belt newcomers|last=|first=|date=17 October 2011|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232751/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-belt-newcomers/|url-status=live}} As well as competing domestically, Dabinyaba also played in the 2011–12 OFC Champions League,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/life-and-death-for-hekari/|title=Life and death for Hekari|last=|first=|date=2 March 2012|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201430/https://www.thenational.com.pg/life-and-death-for-hekari/|url-status=live}} where the club finished second in Group B, narrowly missing out on a final berth behind eventual champions Auckland City. However, he was able to pick up his first domestic national trophy after helping Hekari to the NSL title.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2011/12|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202055109/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012.html|url-status=live}} Dabinyaba once again represented Lae in the 2012 Besta Cup, scoring two goals in the final against Bougainville in a 7–0 thrashing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-499/|title=Lae Football Association lord it again|date=12 November 2012|website=PNGFootball.com.pg|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232346/https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-499/|url-status=live}}
On 27 April 2013, Dabinyaba scored his first goal in continental competition, helping the side to a 2–1 victory over Solomon Warriors in the final group match of the 2012–13 OFC Champions League, to end what was otherwise a disappointing campaign.{{Cite web|url=http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/bbbbbe7a-273f-4518-a9a2-34e8a4c9bbd7/language/en-US/Default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429082324/http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/bbbbbe7a-273f-4518-a9a2-34e8a4c9bbd7/language/en-US/Default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2013|title=Oceania Football Confederation|date=29 April 2013|access-date=14 December 2019}} However, Dabinyaba did help Hekari to the 2013 National Soccer League title, scoring a goal in the 3–0 victory over FC Port Moresby in the Grand Final.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-395/|title=Hekari rule eight title in a row|date=6 June 2013|website=PNGFootball.com.pg|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232319/https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-395/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012a.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2012/13|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202231341/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2012a.html|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba was retained ahead of the 2014 season,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-snags-manuca/|title=Hekari snags Manuca|last=|first=|date=27 January 2014|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232358/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-snags-manuca/|url-status=live}} and once again scored in the 2013–14 OFC Champions League campaign, opening the scoring against AS Magenta in the club's second fixture. The side finished bottom of the group, but won another domestic title, with Dabinyaba scoring the opening goal in the 3–0 victory over Lae FC, before the match was abandoned on 70 minutes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2014.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2014|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208161936/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2014.html|url-status=live}}
= Lae City =
Ahead of the 2015 season, Dabinyaba, alongside teammate and fellow Lae local Raymond Gunemba, moved to new side Lae City Dwellers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-235/|title=Reds focus on new season|date=2 February 2015|website=PNGFootball.com.pg|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232325/https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-235/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/komolong-comes-home/|title=Komolong comes home|last=|first=|date=14 January 2015|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232356/https://www.thenational.com.pg/komolong-comes-home/|url-status=live}} a team more local to him, but Lae lost 3–0 to his former club in their first meeting on 31 January 2015, and again in the reverse fixture in Port Moresby, despite a Dabinyaba goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-secure-minor-title-eye-another-premiership/|title=Hekari secure minor title, eye another premiership|last=|first=|date=3 May 2015|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232345/https://www.thenational.com.pg/hekari-secure-minor-title-eye-another-premiership/|url-status=live}} However, the club reached the Grand Final where they faced Madang FC, winning 5–1, with Dabinyaba scoring the club's second goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-1061/|title=Lae snares Telikom NSL title|date=25 May 2015|website=PNGFootball.com.pg|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232347/https://www.pngfootball.com.pg/archives-1061/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2015.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2015|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323014718/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2015.html|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba was offered a move to New Zealand side Kapiti Coast after the 2015 season, but was unable to make the move due to visa problems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/gunemba-puts-nz-stint-on-hold/|title=Gunemba puts NZ stint on hold|last=|first=|date=25 June 2015|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232410/https://www.thenational.com.pg/gunemba-puts-nz-stint-on-hold/|url-status=live}}
The 2015–16 season saw Lae City make their continental debut in the 2016 OFC Champions League, and Dabinyaba scored his second continental goal in a 5–4 defeat to Solomon Warriors on 17 April 2016. Domestically, Dabinyaba scored four goals in the club's opening fixture against Goroka Gosiha,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/lae-franchises-dominate-opener/|title=Lae franchises dominate opener|last=|first=|date=22 November 2015|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232450/https://www.thenational.com.pg/lae-franchises-dominate-opener/|url-status=live}} Despite coming second behind Hekari United in the race for the Minor Premiership, Lae City defeated Hekari 2–0 in the Grand Final, allowing Dabinyaba to pick up his fifth straight domestic league winner's medal.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/lae-city-dwellers-reign/|title=Lae City Dwellers Reign!|date=20 March 2016|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302025055/https://postcourier.com.pg/lae-city-dwellers-reign/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2016.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2015/16|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323004113/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2016.html|url-status=live}}
= Overseas contracts =
Following his performance at the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, Dabinyaba was signed by Western Pride of the NPL Queensland in Australia on a short-term deal.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/lae-city-dwellers-reign/|title=Lae City Dwellers Reign!|date=20 March 2016|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302025055/https://postcourier.com.pg/lae-city-dwellers-reign/|url-status=live}} At the time of his debut, Dabinyaba was the only current full international to play in the league and only the second capped international to play for the club.{{cite web|title=Dabinyaba standing out in Australia|url=http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/tabid/1386/Article/494ce6b0-ab18-4f77-add4-dc29d62494fa/language/en-US/Default.aspx|publisher=PNG Football|accessdate=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916175431/http://www.pngfootball.com.pg/tabid/1386/Article/494ce6b0-ab18-4f77-add4-dc29d62494fa/language/en-US/Default.aspx|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=dead}} He made his debut for the club on 6 August 2016, scoring in a victory against Moreton Bay United FC.{{cite web|last1=McKenzie|first1=Garry|title=PRIDE SNARE INTERNATIONAL FLAIR IN DABINYABA|url=http://westernpridefc.com.au/featured/pride-snare-international-flair-dabinyaba/|publisher=Western Pride FC|accessdate=9 August 2016|archive-date=15 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815193158/http://westernpridefc.com.au/featured/pride-snare-international-flair-dabinyaba/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-standing-out-in-australia/|title=Dabinyaba standing out in Australia|date=9 August 2016|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232331/https://postcourier.com.pg/dabinyaba-standing-out-in-australia/|url-status=live}} The season ended shortly afterwards, and Dabinyaba returned home.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/313196/sport-png-football-star-nz-bound|title=Sport: PNG football star NZ-bound|date=13 September 2016|website=RNZ |language=en-nz|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232331/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/313196/sport-png-football-star-nz-bound|url-status=live}}
In September 2016, it was announced that Dabinyaba would be moving to New Zealand to join Canterbury United of the Stirling Sports Premiership.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/313196/sport-png-football-star-nz-bound|title=Sport: PNG football star NZ-bound|date=13 September 2016|website=RNZ |language=en-nz|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232331/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/313196/sport-png-football-star-nz-bound|url-status=live}} After a long pursuit of the player, he was officially announced in November.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/the-dragons-sign-nigel-dabinyaba/|title=The Dragons sign Nigel Dabinyaba|publisher=New Zealand Football|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422144557/http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/the-dragons-sign-nigel-dabinyaba/|archive-date=22 April 2017|url-status=dead}} He made two league appearances for the club during his short stay.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/nigel-dabingyaba/189799/|title=Soccerway profile|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-date=26 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326200817/http://int.soccerway.com/players/nigel-dabingyaba/189799/|url-status=live}}
In December 2016 it was announced that Dabinyaba was trialing with Penang FA of the Malaysia Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/FCPenang/status/811238524221419520|title=The Papua New Guinea striker Nigel Dabinyaba was at training|publisher=Penang FA Unofficial|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103021356/https://twitter.com/FCPenang/status/811238524221419520|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/87634789/young-canterbury-footballer-aaron-spain-on-papua-new-guinea-radar|title=Young Canterbury footballer Aaron Spain on Papua New Guinea radar|website=Stuff|language=en|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214232330/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/87634789/young-canterbury-footballer-aaron-spain-on-papua-new-guinea-radar|url-status=live}} His signing was announced along with the signings of three other players the following month. Dabinyaba was handed the club's number 10 shirt.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2017/01/11/back-to-business-penang-want-puskas-award-winner-to-concentrate-on-football/|title=Penang want Puskas Award winner to concentrate on football|last1=Velloo|first1=Loganath|work=The Star|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-date=22 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422144412/http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2017/01/11/back-to-business-penang-want-puskas-award-winner-to-concentrate-on-football/|url-status=live}} Dabinyaba remained with the club for a single season, making 18 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
= Return to Lae City =
Dabinyaba returned to Toti City Dwellers for the 2018 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League,{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/dwellers-confident-successful-2018/|title=Dwellers confident of successful 2018|date=30 November 2017|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000018/https://postcourier.com.pg/dwellers-confident-successful-2018/|url-status=live}} helping the club to a fourth title and his sixth.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/png2018.html|title=Papua New Guinea 2018|website=RSSSF|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327190934/https://rsssf.org/tablesp/png2018.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/city-hammer-united-claim-3rd-title/|title=City hammer United to claim 3rd title|last=|first=|date=28 May 2018|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000019/https://www.thenational.com.pg/city-hammer-united-claim-3rd-title/|url-status=live}} He also scored three times in the club's 2018 OFC Champions League campaign – twice in the 7–2 victory over Tupapa, and once in a 4–1 defeat to Nalkutan, before the club was resoundingly beaten 11–0 by eventual winners Team Wellington in the quarter-finals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/match/|title=Match|website=Oceania Football Confederation|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126121248/https://www.oceaniafootball.com/match/|url-status=live}}
In May 2018, it was announced that Dabinyaba would join Hamilton Wanderers AFC, a top-flight club in New Zealand.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/overseas-bound/|title=Overseas bound!|date=30 May 2018|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000021/https://postcourier.com.pg/overseas-bound/|url-status=live}} However, he returned to Lae ahead of the new season in Papua New Guinea.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/city-coach-gunemba-says-recruiting-talent-always-challenge/|title=City coach Gunemba says recruiting talent 'always a challenge'|date=21 October 2018|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000020/https://postcourier.com.pg/city-coach-gunemba-says-recruiting-talent-always-challenge/|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba scored four goals for Lae in their 2019 OFC Champions League campaign, including one in the 1–1 draw with eventual champions Hienghene Sport. The club reached the quarter-finals before losing to Auckland City.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-knocked-ofc-champions/|title=Toti City knocked out of OFC Champions|date=7 April 2019|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000024/https://postcourier.com.pg/toti-city-knocked-ofc-champions/|url-status=live}} Domestically, Dabinyaba scored several goals throughout the 2019 season to help the club to top spot in the Northern Conference, before scoring two in the semi-final against Morobe United{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/triumphant-city-commend-morobe-united/|title=Triumphant City commend Morobe United|last=|first=|date=27 May 2019|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000018/https://www.thenational.com.pg/triumphant-city-commend-morobe-united/|url-status=live}} and converting his penalty in the Grand Final shoot-out to earn a seventh domestic title for himself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/city-retain-title/|title=City retain title|date=3 June 2019|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000018/https://www.thenational.com.pg/city-retain-title/|url-status=live}}
In October 2019, Dabinyaba joined Solomon Islands club Malaita Kingz on a short-term basis for the second half of the domestic season.{{Cite web|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/10/30/nigel-dabinyaba-joins-malaita-kingz-in-telikom-s-league/|title=Nigel Dabinyaba joins Malaita Kingz in Telekom S-League|date=30 October 2019|website=Oceania Football Center|language=en|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215000019/https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/10/30/nigel-dabinyaba-joins-malaita-kingz-in-telikom-s-league/|url-status=dead}} He rejoined Lae City following the start of the 2019–20 Papua New Guinea National Soccer League.{{Cite web|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/11/20/emmanuel-simon-and-nigel-dabinyaba/|title=Emmanuel Simon and Nigel Dabinyaba set to leave Malaita Kings|date=21 November 2019|website=Oceania Football Center|language=en|access-date=14 December 2019|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128091824/https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/11/20/emmanuel-simon-and-nigel-dabinyaba/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/12/30/simon-and-dabinyaba-finally-back-to-papua-new-guinea/|title=Simon and Dabinyaba finally back to Papua New Guinea|date=30 December 2019|website=Oceania Football Center|language=en|access-date=31 December 2019|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231104218/https://oceaniafootballcenter.home.blog/2019/12/30/simon-and-dabinyaba-finally-back-to-papua-new-guinea/|url-status=dead}}
International career
= U20s =
Dabinyaba made three appearances for the U20s national team at the 2011 OFC U-20 Championship. He played in all three of the nation's group games, scoring twice: once in the 5–1 defeat of American Samoa, and once in the 5–2 defeat to Vanuatu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-crashes-out-of-tourney/|title=PNG crashes out of tourney|first=|date=26 April 2011|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=18 December 2019|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219003934/https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-crashes-out-of-tourney/|url-status=live}}
= U23s =
In March 2012, Dabinyaba was part of the national U23s side during qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games. Dabinyaba played in all four of the nation's games, scoring in the 3–0 victory against Tonga.
= Senior squad =
Dabinyaba was called up to the senior international squad in September 2014 for a friendly against Singapore, but he would not make his competitive debut until the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, with the 1–1 against New Caledonia being his third international cap overall. He scored his first two senior international goals during the 8–0 victory over Samoa, eventually scoring three across the whole tournament.{{Cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/57104/Nigel_Dabinyaba.html|title=Nigel Dabinyaba|date=|website=www.national-football-teams.com|language=en|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214214357/https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/57104/Nigel_Dabinyaba.html|url-status=live}} Papua New Guinea went on to be the runners-up after losing on penalties in the final to New Zealand.{{cite web|title=All Whites win in penalty shootout|url=http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/all-whites-win-in-penalty-shootout/|publisher=New Zealand Football|accessdate=16 January 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220085606/http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/all-whites-win-in-penalty-shootout/|archivedate=20 December 2016}}
In November 2016, Dabinyaba scored his fourth and fifth international goals in friendlies against Iran and Malaysia, the latter game allowing him to pick up his tenth senior cap.{{cite web|title=Kapuls suffer heavy defeat to Iran|url=http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/2a481013-2799-41e3-b3ba-d748561b935b/language/en-US/Default.aspx|publisher=Oceania Football Confederation|accessdate=16 January 2017|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114174907/http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/2a481013-2799-41e3-b3ba-d748561b935b/language/en-US/Default.aspx|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba was part of the nation's unsuccessful 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign, playing in three of the four fixtures and scoring once, having been suspended for the first game against the Solomon Islands.{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/tahiti-beats-png-3-1/|title=Tahiti beats PNG 3-1|date=23 March 2017|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217011104/https://postcourier.com.pg/tahiti-beats-png-3-1/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.oceaniafootball.com/png-in-seventh-heaven/|title=PNG in seventh heaven|date=29 March 2017|website=Oceania Football Confederation|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217011122/https://www.oceaniafootball.com/png-in-seventh-heaven/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332639/sport-png-solomon-islands-playing-to-keep-world-cup-hopes-alive|title=Sport: PNG, Solomon Islands playing to keep World Cup hopes alive|date=9 June 2017|website=RNZ |language=en-nz|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217011148/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332639/sport-png-solomon-islands-playing-to-keep-world-cup-hopes-alive|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/png-lose-2-1/|title=PNG lose 2-1|date=13 June 2017|website=Post Courier|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217011104/https://postcourier.com.pg/png-lose-2-1/|url-status=live}}
Dabinyaba played all five of Papua New Guinea's matches at the 2019 Pacific Games, scoring twice, against Samoa and Tonga.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/footballers-begin-with-strong-wins/|title=Footballers begin with strong wins|date=9 July 2019|website=The National|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709023315/https://www.thenational.com.pg/footballers-begin-with-strong-wins/|url-status=live}} Papua New Guinea went on to finish fourth.
Career statistics
{{updated|7 October 2022}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="5"|Papua New Guinea
|2014 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 9 | 5 | |
| 2017 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 19 | 11 |
{{updated|30 September 2022}}
:Scores and results list Papua New Guinea's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Dabinyaba goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Nigel Dabinyaba | |||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align:center"|1
|rowspan="2"|5 June 2016 | rowspan="2"|Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | rowspan="2"|{{fb|Samoa}} | style="text-align:center"|4–0 | rowspan=2 style="text-align:center"|8–0 | rowspan="2"|2016 OFC Nations Cup |
| style="text-align:center"|2
|style="text-align:center"|7–0 | |||||
| style="text-align:center"|3
|8 June 2016 | Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | {{fb|Solomon Islands}} | style="text-align:center"|2–1 | style="text-align:center"|2–1 | 2016 OFC Nations Cup |
| style="text-align:center"|4
|10 November 2016 | Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia | {{fb|IRN}} | style="text-align:center"|1–2 | style="text-align:center"|1–8 | Friendly |
| style="text-align:center"|5
|14 November 2016 | Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam, Malaysia | {{fb|MAS}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–2 | Friendly |
| style="text-align:center"|6
|23 March 2017 | Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | {{fb|TAH}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–3 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| style="text-align:center"|7
|8 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia, Samoa | {{fb|SAM}} | style="text-align:center"|4–0 | style="text-align:center"|6–0 | 2019 Pacific Games |
| style="text-align:center"|8
|18 July 2019 | National Soccer Stadium, Apia, Samoa | {{fb|TON}} | style="text-align:center"|2–0 | style="text-align:center"|8–0 | 2019 Pacific Games |
| style="text-align:center"|9
|27 September 2022 | Luganville Soccer Stadium, Luganville, Vanuatu | {{fb|FIJ}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | 2022 MSG Prime Minister's Cup |
| style="text-align:center"|10
|rowspan="2"|30 September 2022 | rowspan="2"|Luganville Soccer Stadium, Luganville, Vanuatu | rowspan="2"|{{fb|VAN}} | style="text-align:center"|1–2 | rowspan=2 style="text-align:center"|2–2 | rowspan="2"|2022 MSG Prime Minister's Cup |
| style="text-align:center"|11
|style="text-align:center"|2–2 |
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
{{Papua New Guinea squad 2016 OFC Nations Cup}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dabingyaba, Nigel}}
Category:Papua New Guinea men's international soccer players
Category:Papua New Guinean expatriate men's soccer players
Category:Papua New Guinean men's soccer players
Category:Morobe United F.C. players
Category:Hekari United F.C. players
Category:Hamilton Wanderers AFC players
Category:National Premier Leagues players
Category:Malaysia Super League players
Category:New Zealand Football Championship players
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Australia
Category:Expatriate men's association footballers in New Zealand
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Malaysia
Category:Papua New Guinean expatriate sportspeople in Australia
Category:Papua New Guinean expatriate sportspeople in New Zealand
Category:Papua New Guinean expatriate sportspeople in Malaysia
Category:Men's association football forwards