It will be an interesting switch for the 24-year-old who last made at an OFC U-20 tournament as a member of the Fiji national team in 2006.
Dilioni started refereeing in 2010, debuting as an assistant referee in the Suva Football Association local league and this year was awarded her FIFA assistant referee badge.
She was introduced to officiating to refereeing by Finau Vulivuli, a FIFA accredited referee with plenty of OFC and FIFA experience under her belt. Vulivuli has also been appointed to officiate during the tournament.
Fiji Football Association referee director Paresh Kishore says it is an extremely proud moment for Fiji to have two women refereeing an international event.
“Previously we only had Finau as a FIFA badge holder but now we also have an assistant referee with a FIFA badge,” Kishore says.
He says Dilioni deserves the call up to Oceania level after excelling last season.
“Lonisa was one of the standouts last year and that is why she has been given the opportunity to officiate at Oceania level. It is always good to see our match officials being recognised.
Kishore himself will provide a familiar face for the Fijian pair, acting as one of the referee assessors during the championship at Mangere Centre Park in Auckland.
For Dilioni it is proof that she made the right decision back in 2010 when she chose officiating over a playing career.
After controlling the line in her first match at just 21 years old she decided this was her new path.
“It’s not difficult when you know the game,” she said following her first match as an assistant.
However noted that the role was slightly different from a woman’s perspective.
“Refereeing is all about respect. We respect the players and they respect us. That’s the only way the sport can benefit,” she said.
Tonga, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Vanuatu will participate in the tournament which is being held from 18-22 February.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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