By S. Siapha Mulbah
Liberian football star Jonathan Freeman, the captain of Discoveries Sports Academy, alongside other top performers from the national first division league, has welcomed the provisional call-up to the Liberia Senior Men’s National Team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Freeman, who currently stands as the third-highest scorer in the league, received his first official invitation to join the senior team’s training camp after years of exceptional leadership in Liberia’s youth football programs.
Freeman, a dynamic presence on the field, has been at the helm of Discoveries Sports Academy, one of Liberia’s rapidly growing football clubs now playing in the first division league. Known for his lion-hearted leadership, Freeman has also served as the captain of Liberia’s national youth teams, including the Under-17 and Under-20 sides. His consistent leadership and performance have earned him the recognition of national team coach Thomas Kojo, who, along with other top performers, was called up for training on March 3, 2025.
In addition to Freeman, two of the league’s highest goal scorers, Nicholas Andrews, from Heaven Eleven and Emmanuel Flomo of LISCR Football Club, were also included in the provisional call-up. The trio, considered the top performers of the season, joined the national team’s training session, which took place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville. The facility is set to host the Lone Star’s home matches in the upcoming World Cup qualifying rounds.
The national team is preparing for two important fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. On March 19, Liberia will face Tunisia in their fifth match of the qualifiers, followed by a showdown with São Tomé and Príncipe on March 24. The inclusion of local-based players in the training camp is part of Coach Kojo’s strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of these crucial encounters.
Freeman, Andrews, and Flomo, who have all been in exceptional form this season, are expected to bring their top-tier league performances to the national team. Their selection for this training camp is seen as a significant step in bolstering the local talent pool and offering these players a chance to earn a spot in the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers. The training sessions are scheduled to run for nearly three weeks, providing ample opportunity for the players to showcase their skills and fitness.
As Liberia’s football community eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on Jonathan Freeman, Nicholas Andrews, and Emmanuel Flomo as they look to continue their stellar form and make an impact for the Lone Star. The final squad list is expected to be announced later this month, with these top performers hoping to secure their place and help Liberia in their quest for World Cup qualification.