Published: April 27, 2026
Monrovia — Fifteen young Liberian footballers, each representing one of the country’s 15 counties, are set to depart for the People’s Republic of China to compete in the Guizhou Village Super League Friendly Matches, a sports diplomacy initiative aimed at deepening bilateral ties between Liberia and China.
At a send-off ceremony Friday at the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia, officials emphasized that the mission goes beyond football, urging the players to serve as cultural ambassadors and symbols of Liberia’s resilience and unity.
The launch of the Guizhou Village Super League Friendly Matches brought together senior government officials, diplomats, athletes and members of the media, underscoring the growing importance of sports in international cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu described the tournament as a flagship activity under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
“It is hoped that by their visiting to Guizhou, the Liberian youth football players could serve as ambassadors for exchanges, acting as a link between young people and contributing to sports cooperation between China and Liberia,” he stressed. “I also hope the youth of both countries deepen their friendship, move forward together, and help promote bilateral relations.”
He noted that football—widely regarded as the world’s most popular sport—has the power to unite cultures and strengthen mutual understanding.
Ambassador Yin also referenced commitments made during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where African leaders, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, engaged Chinese President Xi Jinping on strengthening partnerships across sectors.
He praised the Liberian government’s support for the initiative, highlighting the roles of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Dear friends, China and Liberia are separated by one ocean but our friendship has long enduring history,” he added. “People to people friendship holds the key to state to state relations.”
Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel Stevquoah framed the trip as a national assignment rooted in diplomacy and character, not just competition.
“Thanks to the Chinese Embassy for this golden opportunity once again; this is a demonstration that through sports diplomacy, the relationship between Liberia and China has once more been elevated to another level,” he said.
Addressing the players directly, he urged them to carry the nation’s identity with pride.
“And I tell you, one of the first things we can do to strengthen the relationship between Liberia and China, it is not about whether you win or whether you lose, but how you conduct yourselves and what message you take and what message you bring back,” he emphasized.
Stevquoah encouraged the athletes to showcase Liberia’s culture, resilience and “winning spirit” throughout their stay.
Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah echoed the broader purpose of the exchange, describing the matches as an opportunity to tell Liberia’s story through its young athletes.
“This event is not just a game but an opportunity to showcase Liberia’s culture,” she said, noting that selecting players from each county allows participants to share diverse cultural experiences.
“China remains a good friend to Liberia and you’re interested in the development of talents of our young people in Liberia and for that, we, on behalf of the President and with the Minister here at this event, would like to thank you for your continuous support,” Kruah added.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Minister Stevquoah, Minister Kruah, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Charlyne Taylor, and members of the Liberian youth football delegation.
Liberian officials collectively expressed appreciation for China’s continued investment in sports development and youth empowerment.
The event concluded with a screening of an introductory video showcasing the Village Super League in Guizhou Province, offering participants a preview of the competition and cultural exchange awaiting them in China.
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