Joe Nagbe
Encyclopedia
Joe Thunder Armstrong Nagbe (born September 2, 1968 in Nimba County
) is a Liberia
n former football midfielder
. He has had at least ten years playing in Europe
, starting off like George Weah
with Monaco
then on to Nice
. He has been playing in Greece
over the last three years. He is instrumental, but is now without a club because of his commitment to the National Team
.
by playing actively in football. His daughter Martha plays basketball. He is the father of Darlington Nagbe
He then joined Invincible Eleven (IE)
in 1985 and thereafter played between 1986 and 1987 for Mighty Barolle
before returning to IE
, where he stayed up to 1988 after winning the National League title
.
Along with fellow Liberian international James Debbah
, Nagbe moved to Union Douala
of Cameroon
for the 1989 to 1990 season. During that period, he played a major role as Liberia
almost reached the 1990 World Cup
finals in Italy
. In the process, the Lone Star eliminated the mighty Ghana Black Star
before whipping the Pharaohs of Egypt, Kenya
and Malawi
in the group stage.
Nagbe and Debbah
joined George Weah
at AS Monaco
for the 1989–90 season after when he found himself at Epinac
from 1990 to 1993. The three seasons that followed saw Nagbe at OGC Nice
, where he alongside Debbah
was successful with a French Cup
final win over Giungamp
that had another Liberian Christopher Wreh
. Nagbe had the opportunity of serving as captain of Nice
.
His next transfer led him to Switzerland
with Lugano
for the season of 1996–97 and afterwards, Greece
became the next destination for the Liberian that has played the roles of striker, midfielder and defender during his outstanding career.
Nagbe together with his colleagues made history for the Lone Star
when Liberia
qualified for her first African Cup of Nations
finals in South Africa
. Before then, the Lone Star
whipped Tunisia
, Mauritania
and Togo
, but drew with Senegal
at home.
There was Nagbe at PAOK Salonika
for three seasons (1997–2000) and later at Panionios (2000–2001). The next season, he played for Giannana
(2001–2002), the period with him as captain when the Lone Star
reached another African Nations Cup finals but narrowly missed out on the 2002 World Cup
in Korea and Japan
.
His final journey before heading for retirement led Nagbe to Indonesia
, where he reunited with dozens of his countrymen. There, he played for PSPS
, Persema Malang
and PSIM Yogyakarta
.
He began playing for the Liberian national team
in 1985 and ended in 2001 with 96 caps.
In June 2011 Nagbe came out of retirement to play against Cape Verde
, and kept a clean sheet.
and now boasts of being a professional soccer coach, recognized by FIFA, CBF, UEFA and other established soccer organizations.
Nimba County
Nimba is a county in the north-central portion of the West African nation of Liberia. One of 15 counties that comprise the first-level of administrative division in the nation, it has six districts. Sanniquellie serves as the capital with the area of the county measuring , the largest in the nation...
) is a Liberia
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
n former football midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
. He has had at least ten years playing in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, starting off like George Weah
George Weah
George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah is a Liberian humanitarian and politician, and an ex-footballer. He ran unsuccessfully for president in the 2005 election, losing to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the second round of voting...
with Monaco
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
then on to Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
. He has been playing in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
over the last three years. He is instrumental, but is now without a club because of his commitment to the National Team
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
.
Personal life
Nagbe is married and his two sons are following his footsteps in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
by playing actively in football. His daughter Martha plays basketball. He is the father of Darlington Nagbe
Darlington Nagbe
Darlington Nagbe is a Liberian footballer currently playing for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
Football career
Nagbe started his football sojourn with Young Survivor of Clara Town from 1982 to 1985.He then joined Invincible Eleven (IE)
Invincible Eleven
Invincible Eleven is a football club from Liberia based in Monrovia.They are one of the founding members of football in Liberia. Their home stadium is the Antonette Tubman Stadium. Invincible Eleven is one of Liberia's most popular and historic clubs, along with Mighty Barolle...
in 1985 and thereafter played between 1986 and 1987 for Mighty Barolle
Mighty Barolle
Mighty Barrolle is a football club from Liberia based in Monrovia.They are one of the founding members of football in Liberia. Their home Stadium is the Antonette Tubman Stadium...
before returning to IE
Invincible Eleven
Invincible Eleven is a football club from Liberia based in Monrovia.They are one of the founding members of football in Liberia. Their home stadium is the Antonette Tubman Stadium. Invincible Eleven is one of Liberia's most popular and historic clubs, along with Mighty Barolle...
, where he stayed up to 1988 after winning the National League title
Liberian Premier League
The Liberian Premier League is the highest division in football in Liberia. The league began in 1956 and has never won by a club outside Monrovia.-Liberian Premier League - Clubs 2011/2012:*Barrack Young Controllers*Fatu FC*Green Pasture*Invincible Eleven...
.
Along with fellow Liberian international James Debbah
James Debbah
James 'Salinda' Debbah is a Liberian football striker currently Free Agent. He also play on the Liberia national football team.- Personal :...
, Nagbe moved to Union Douala
Union Douala
Union Sportive Douala is a Cameroonian football club based in Douala.-History:It was founded in 1957 and played its home matches in the Stade de la Réunification.-Achievements:*Cameroon Premiere Division: 4...
of Cameroon
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
for the 1989 to 1990 season. During that period, he played a major role as Liberia
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
almost reached the 1990 World Cup
1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
The Confederation of African Football section of the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification saw teams competing for two berths in the final tournament in Italy....
finals in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. In the process, the Lone Star eliminated the mighty Ghana Black Star
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
before whipping the Pharaohs of Egypt, Kenya
Kenya national football team
The Kenya national football team, nicknamed the Harambee Stars, is the national team of Kenya and is controlled by Football Kenya Limited, the governing body of football in Kenya. They have never qualified for the World Cup finals.-History:...
and Malawi
Malawi national football team
The Malawi national football team, nicknamed The Flames, is the national team of Malawi and is controlled by the Football Association of Malawi. Before 1966 they were known as the Nyasaland national football team...
in the group stage.
Nagbe and Debbah
James Debbah
James 'Salinda' Debbah is a Liberian football striker currently Free Agent. He also play on the Liberia national football team.- Personal :...
joined George Weah
George Weah
George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah is a Liberian humanitarian and politician, and an ex-footballer. He ran unsuccessfully for president in the 2005 election, losing to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the second round of voting...
at AS Monaco
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
for the 1989–90 season after when he found himself at Epinac
SAS Épinal
Stade Athletique Spinalien Épinal is a French football club based in the commune of Épinal.They currently play in the Championnat de France Amateurs Group A. Their kit colours are yellow and blue...
from 1990 to 1993. The three seasons that followed saw Nagbe at OGC Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
, where he alongside Debbah
James Debbah
James 'Salinda' Debbah is a Liberian football striker currently Free Agent. He also play on the Liberia national football team.- Personal :...
was successful with a French Cup
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
final win over Giungamp
En Avant Guingamp
En Avant de Guingamp is a French association football club based in the commune of Guingamp. The club was founded in 1912 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football, having won promotion from the Championnat National following the 2010–11 season. Guingamp plays its home...
that had another Liberian Christopher Wreh
Christopher Wreh
Christopher Wreh is a Liberia international footballer.-Career:A cousin of former FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah, Wreh first played for Liberian clubs Young Kotoko, La Modelle International and Invincible Eleven, before being snapped up by French side AS Monaco as a youth in 1989...
. Nagbe had the opportunity of serving as captain of Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
.
His next transfer led him to Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
with Lugano
AC Lugano
FC Lugano is a Swiss football club based in Lugano. The club was founded as AC Lugano in 2004 as a result of relegation and financial situation of FC Lugano, which was founded in 1908. In 2008, the club reverted to its original name, FC Lugano. They play at the Stadio Cornaredo...
for the season of 1996–97 and afterwards, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
became the next destination for the Liberian that has played the roles of striker, midfielder and defender during his outstanding career.
Nagbe together with his colleagues made history for the Lone Star
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
when Liberia
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
qualified for her first African Cup of Nations
1996 African Cup of Nations
-Group B:---------------------Group C:------------ withdrew, so their three matches were canceled.*vs. , January 16, 1996*vs. , January 19, 1996*vs...
finals in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. Before then, the Lone Star
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
whipped Tunisia
Tunisia national football team
The Tunisia national football team , nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage , is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football. They have qualified for four FIFA World Cups, the first one in 1978, but have yet to make it out of the first round...
, Mauritania
Mauritania national football team
The Mauritania national football team, nicknamed Mourabitounes, is the national team of Mauritania and is controlled by the Fédération de Foot-Ball de la Républic Islamique de Mauritanie and is a member of CAF. They have not qualified for the FIFA World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations...
and Togo
Togo national football team
The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers (The Sparrow Hawks, is controlled by the Fédération Togolaise de Football.They played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Their team bus...
, but drew with Senegal
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
at home.
There was Nagbe at PAOK Salonika
PAOK FC
P.A.O.K. F.C. is a Greek association football club based in Thessaloniki, Greece. It is the largest supported football club in Macedonia.PAOK FC is the football department of Pan-Thessalonian Athletic Club of Constantinopolitans , a multi-sport club. Since its formation in 1926 the football club...
for three seasons (1997–2000) and later at Panionios (2000–2001). The next season, he played for Giannana
PAS Giannina
PAS Giannina , the Panepirotic Athletic Association Giannina, is a Greek association football club based in the city of Ioannina, the capital of Greece’s Epirus region.Following the 2010–11 season, PAS was promoted to Greece’s Super League division...
(2001–2002), the period with him as captain when the Lone Star
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
reached another African Nations Cup finals but narrowly missed out on the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the African Zone . For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification....
in Korea and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
His final journey before heading for retirement led Nagbe to Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, where he reunited with dozens of his countrymen. There, he played for PSPS
PSPS Pekanbaru
PSPS, an acronym for Persatuan Sepak Bola Pekanbaru dan Sekitarnya is an Indonesian football team based in Pekanbaru. They compete in the division of Indonesian football, Liga Indonesia...
, Persema Malang
Persema Malang
Persema, an acronym for Persatuan Sepak Bola Malang is an Indonesian football club based in Malang, East Java. They play in Indonesia's breakaway football league, Liga Primer Indonesia . In the Indonesian media, the tautology Persema Malang is often used.- History :The club was officially...
and PSIM Yogyakarta
PSIM Yogyakarta
PSIM is an Indonesian football club based in Yogyakarta. They play in the premier division, second level in Indonesian football competition Liga Indonesia. Their home stadium is Mandala Krida Stadium....
.
He began playing for the Liberian national team
Liberia national football team
The Liberia national football team, nicknamed the Lone Stars, is the national team of Liberia and is controlled by the Liberia Football Association. Although the country produced the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, they have never reached the World Cup finals...
in 1985 and ended in 2001 with 96 caps.
In June 2011 Nagbe came out of retirement to play against Cape Verde
Cape Verde national football team
The Cape Verde national football team, nicknamed either the Tubarões Azuis or Crioulos , is the national team of Cape Verde and is controlled by the Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol.-Overview:...
, and kept a clean sheet.
Coach career
Upon quitting football, Nagbe traveled to BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
and now boasts of being a professional soccer coach, recognized by FIFA, CBF, UEFA and other established soccer organizations.
External links
- Player profile and statistics – http://www.liberiansoccer.com
- Player profile and statistics – http://www.national-football-teams.com
- Player profile and statistics – http://www.lfp.fr
- Player profile and statistics – http://www.calcio57.com