Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper Derrick Daddy Julu has been invited by the Liberian federation to join the Lone Star for the double-header of 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Cape Verde on 13 and 17 November.
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has set its sights on a goalkeeper from the Nigerian league. Derrick Daddy Julu, the Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper, has been invited to join Liberia’s senior national team for the double-header of 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Cape Verde, The Nation reports. Nothing yet indicates what role he will play in the goalkeeping hierarchy.
The schedule is set: the first leg will be played in Praia on 13 November, the return leg in Monrovia on 17 November. The Lone Star will therefore travel to the Tubarões Azuis, the nickname of the Cape Verde national team, before hosting their opponents.
A standout October at club level
Julu was called up after an impressive October in the Nigeria Premier Football League: three clean sheets in four matches and just one goal conceded, according to The Nation.
Niger Tornadoes congratulated their goalkeeper on his call-up and wished him success with the Lone Star of Liberia.
Nothing indicates at this stage, however, that Julu will start in Praia, nor which eleven Liberia will field against Cape Verde.
The Tubarões Azuis, opponents in form
Cape Verde qualified for the first World Cup in their history thanks to a 3-0 win against Eswatini on 13 October 2025, GetYourGuide recalls. A historic qualification for a country of around 500,000 inhabitants.
According to the same source, the Cape Verde national stadium was renamed in 2026 in tribute to the Tubarões Azuis after that feat.
The Lone Star therefore travel to a team qualified for the World Cup. For Liberia, this double-header is an important test in the race for the 2027 AFCON.
Two fixtures to make a case
The first leg on 13 November in Praia will give an initial glimpse of Liberia’s level against an opponent freshly qualified for the World Cup. The return leg on 17 November in Monrovia could weigh on the rest of the campaign.
For Julu, this is the chance to show what he can do with the Lone Star, after a standout October at club level.