Sekou Manubah: Liberia U-17 girls coach remains positive ahead of clash with Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

With a bleak return leg against Nigeria, the head coach of Liberia U-17 girls is still optimistic that his team can cause another upset in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The young Liberian side beat Senegal 2-0 after going down 3-1 in the first leg of the previous round to scale through on away goal rule.

They arrived in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s return leg of the final round after a 4-1 deficit in Liberia hoping to replicate the feat that saw them boot out Senegal.

The gaffer says they have noticed areas of concerns that they need to correct to get a positive result on Friday.

“The competition is still on. Our hopes remain positive. We lost at home 4-1. We have seen what we are supposed to do to get better and how we need to work to improve,” Manubah told Liberia Football Association media before departure for Nigeria.

“We remain positive to get the necessary result and remain optimistic. The second 90 minutes will determine who will qualify for the World Cup.”

While giving updates on players’ fitness, Manubah is impressed with the progress of the team despite the herculean task that awaits them in the return leg.

“We don’t have injuries and the team is in good shape despite the loss but I am grateful that everybody is very impressed.” He continued.

“We have been able to show the level of progress we are making within the squad. It is a good thing for us.

“We remain very prepared. We remain positive with our heads up to make a comeback in the second leg.”

He thanked the Liberia Football Association for supporting the team thus far while hoping for a positive result at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday.

“It’s a normal thing. It’s good we have 11 players starting the match and the other seven will be on the bench. We have enough players to be able to face the fight in the second leg and positively bring the result for the team.

“I am asking every Liberian to be part of this process and also giving my heartfelt gratitude to the President of Liberia Football Association and all our well-wishers, the fans that cheered the team at home in the first leg which I appreciate very much and hope they continue.” He concluded.