MONROVIA, Liberia — Lofa County has lost the opportunity to host Group C of the 2026/2027 National County Sports Meet following delays in the delivery of essential materials required to complete the Voinjama Sports Pitch.
The development was disclosed by Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, who chairs the county’s Sports Steering Committee, during an appearance on the Liberia Broadcasting System’s ELBC Super Sports program on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Lofa was originally selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to accommodate Group C, which includes Lofa, Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Sinoe counties. The competition was expected to commence in Voinjama on November 29, 2026.
However, following technical evaluations of the playing surface, the Ministry decided to transfer hosting responsibilities to Grand Bassa County. Meanwhile, the tournament’s opening ceremony, initially scheduled for November 28, will now be held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
Senator Cyrus attributed the setback to delays in shipping construction materials, insisting that neither the county’s leadership nor local officials should be held responsible for the situation.
He explained that although the contractor had signed an agreement and commenced preliminary activities, the original 24-month implementation period was shortened to 11 months following pressure from county authorities to complete the project ahead of the competition.
According to the senator, international shipping disruptions associated with the reported conflict between the United States and Iran affected the movement of materials destined for Liberia.
He disclosed that shipping companies repeatedly revised the expected arrival dates, initially creating hopes that the materials would reach the country in time.
Cyrus said the county was particularly disappointed after receiving updated information indicating that the shipment would not arrive until November 16, 2026.
He noted that approximately eight containers carrying specialized equipment and other materials needed to install the artificial turf were expected at the Port of Monrovia by September 26.
Had the shipment arrived as scheduled, he maintained, Voinjama would have been ready to host the competition with a newly completed playing surface.
Despite the disappointment, the senator commended Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah for maintaining communication with the county and engaging stakeholders throughout the process.
He said technical consultations eventually established that Lofa would be unable to meet the required hosting standards within the available timeframe.
Cyrus added that the minister had assured county officials that Lofa would be considered to host the competition next year after the completion of its sports pitch.
He further disclosed that the contractor had already undertaken preliminary activities, including clearing the field and mobilizing locally available materials, while awaiting the arrival of the remaining supplies.
The senator also explained that temporarily upgrading the pitch to accommodate the group-stage matches would require at least US$8,000 for mobilization and subsequent demobilization.
He described the proposed expenditure as financially impractical, arguing that the county could not justify spending such an amount on temporary arrangements while struggling to finance team preparations and the permanent completion of the facility.
Lofa Seeks US$175,000 for County Sports Teams
With the loss of home hosting privileges, Senator Cyrus has appealed to Lofians, both at home and abroad, to increase their financial contributions toward preparing the county’s teams for the upcoming competition.
He disclosed that the change in venue has placed additional financial demands on the county, prompting the Sports Steering Committee to develop a budget of US$175,000.
The proposed funding is intended to support training, camping, accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other essential preparations for the participating teams.
Cyrus said the teams were expected to begin camping during the week, but contributions had remained limited.
He identified Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas Fallah as the only major contributor so far, having donated US$5,000 toward the county’s preparations.
The senator emphasized that additional resources were urgently needed to cover hotel expenses, meals, fuel, and players’ allowances.
He urged citizens to contribute according to their financial capacity, stressing that every donation would help strengthen the county’s chances of competing successfully.
Although Lofa failed to secure victory in the previous edition, Cyrus expressed confidence that the county could perform better this year if citizens provided the necessary support early.
He also revealed that he had personally financed several aspects of the county’s sporting activities over the years, including initial preparations, player recruitment, training, and the purchase of sporting materials.
The senator warned against the practice of making contributions only toward the end of the competition, saying early financial support was essential to maintaining players’ motivation and ensuring adequate preparation.
He called on political leaders, businesspeople, farmers, young people, and other citizens to rally behind the county’s teams, regardless of their political affiliations.
Cyrus said the enthusiasm of ordinary Lofians who follow the county’s matches through radio broadcasts demonstrates the importance of sporting success to the people.
Senator Announces US$50,000 Basketball Court Project
Beyond the immediate preparations for the National County Sports Meet, Cyrus highlighted the importance of investing in sports infrastructure and developing young talents across Lofa County.
He pointed to the county’s recent achievements in football, kickball, and basketball as evidence of its growing sporting potential.
According to him, Lofa has considerable athletic talent that requires sustained investment and institutional support to reach higher levels of competition.
As part of efforts to expand opportunities for young athletes, the senator is expected to launch a US$50,000 basketball court project in Voinjama City in the coming weeks.
The planned launch will include an exhibition basketball game featuring two teams from Monrovia, giving aspiring players in the county an opportunity to observe the skills and techniques of more experienced athletes.
Cyrus said developing sports facilities and supporting emerging talents remain important to ensuring that young people in Lofa have opportunities to pursue their sporting ambitions.
