Liberia: Mamadee Sheriff Returns As Nimba County Head Coach

4 August 2025
The Liberian Investigator (Monrovia)
By Edwin Dolo

NIMBA COUNTY — Mamadee Sheriff, known affectionately as "Coach Benzema," has been reinstated as head coach of the Nimba County football team ahead of the 2025-26 National County Sports Meet.

Sheriff previously held the position in 2024, but his appointment was rescinded just weeks later under what sources described as political pressure. His return now marks a renewed mandate as he replaces Mouctarr Fofana, Nimba's longest-serving coach.

The announcement was made by Alphanso Glaydor, chair of the Nimba County Sports Steering Committee and a prominent businessman, who said Sheriff's recent track record and leadership credentials made him the clear choice to take the team forward.

"Coach Benzema brings experience, discipline, and winning momentum," Glaydor said. "His promotion of Gardnersville FC to the First Division speaks volumes about his tactical abilities and leadership."

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

Sheriff guided Gardnersville FC from the Second Division into the First Division of the Liberia National League and is well-known in Nimba's football circles. Before his brief stint as head coach last year, he had served as the team's trainer and assistant coach. He also previously coached Montserrado County in the national tournament.

The 2025-26 County Meet is scheduled to kick off on December 14, with Nimba as one of four host counties. Maryland County has been named the primary host and placed in Group A alongside Rivercess, Grand Kru, and River Gee. Nimba will compete in Group B against Bomi, Sinoe, and Margibi. Group C features Grand Bassa, Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, and Grand Gedeh, while Group D includes Gbarpolu, Bong, and Montserrado.

Nimba County enters this year's competition with something to prove after a disappointing exit in the 2024-25 tournament. The team was eliminated by Margibi County in a dramatic quarterfinal decided by penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Despite recent setbacks, Nimba remains one of the most decorated counties in the history of the tournament, having lifted the County Meet trophy a record six times. With Sheriff at the helm, fans and officials hope the team can reclaim its dominance.

"We're aiming for the title," Sheriff said after his appointment. "This county has the talent, the fan base, and the history. My job is to bring it all together."

The County Meet, Liberia's largest annual sporting event, draws nationwide attention and serves as a springboard for emerging talent. With Sheriff's return, Nimba County hopes to blend experience with youthful energy in pursuit of its seventh championship.

Read the original article on Liberian Investigator.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 The Liberian Investigator. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.