Monrovia – Liberian striker Sylvanus Nimely has been ruled out of Lone Star’s double-header with Malawi and Equatorial Guinea due to an injury he sustained during training with his club after being assessed by the medical staff at his Uzbekistan club side Surkhon Termiz.
By: Christopher C. Walker
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The striker was among the 23 players named in coach Ansumana Keita’s team for both games at home and accepted the invitation, but unfortunately, he will miss the Liberia World Cup qualifiers on November 17th and 20th at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
According to reports from the national team camp, the informed striker was issued his ticket for the game, and after an hour, he was informed by the technical staff of the national team that he can’t make the trip because he picked up a knock in training a day ago.
Nimely, who has been overlooked by Keita and other national team coaches, was keen on making his return to the national team after his last appearance against the Central African Republic in 2021.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa, Nimely said he feels disappointed not making the trip for such a match.
“I felt pain during training and went for an ultrasound later. It was diagnosed that my muscles are tensed up. I may be able to run, but I won’t be 100% fit. I cannot come under this condition just because I want to play, and I don’t give my 100% to help the country get the needed result. I will be deceiving myself, the technical staff, my teammates, and most importantly the fans. I’m disappointed, but it’s better that I be truthful and don’t pretend I’m okay 100%. I’ve spoken with the coach about the situation,” Nimely told FrontPage Africa via WhatsApp call.
It can be recalled that several players of the national team have honored invitations while injured, something that has affected the performance of the national team for years. With the professional approach of Nimely, many football lovers believe other players should follow his good example.
Nimely has scored 11 goals and assisted six in 27 games for the Uzbekistan club Surkhon this season.
Meanwhile, Prince Saydee has also pulled out of the Lone Star squad for personal reasons. Coach Keita, since taking over the national team of Liberia, has not won a game and was hoping Nimely and Saydee could be available to give his team the needed result.
Below is Lone Star official Squad to face Malawi and Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter
GOALKEEPER
Boison Wyenneh
Ashley Williams
Emmanuel Dennah
DEFENDERS
Mark Parbai
Joel Johnson
Arago Jamal
Sampson Dweh
Kemoh Kamara
Mo Sangare
MIDFIELDERS
Oscar Dorley
Nohan Kenneth
Marcus Macaulay
Brem Soumaoro
Devine Teah
Saah Moses
Mohammed Kamara
Prince Saydee
Tonia Tisdell
Albert Korvah
Edward Ledlum
FORWARDS
William Jebor
Kpah Sherman
Sylvanus Nimely