Published: November 8, 2026
MONROVIA — Lofa County has lost its hosting rights for Group C of the 2026-27 National County Sports Meet after delays in the arrival of nearly eight containers of materials needed to complete the Voinjama Sports Pitch, forcing organizers to relocate the games to Grand Bassa County.
Lofa County Sen. Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, who chairs the county’s Sports Steering Committee, attributed the setback to disruptions in international shipping, insisting that county officials had made the necessary preparations to host the tournament.
Speaking Saturday, on the Liberia Broadcasting System’s ELBC Super Sports program, Cyrus said the materials were initially expected to arrive Sept. 26 but had been repeatedly delayed, making it impossible to complete the playing surface before the tournament.
Lofa had been selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to host Group C, comprising Lofa, Grand Bassa, Montserrado and Sinoe counties, beginning Nov. 29 in Voinjama.
However, following technical assessments of the sports pitch, the ministry designated Grand Bassa as the replacement host. The tournament’s opening ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 28, will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
Cyrus rejected suggestions that county officials were responsible for the setback, explaining that the construction contract had been finalized and the contractor had already begun mobilizing resources.
“The contract for that field was consummated and the contractor went ahead and did a lot of mobilizations,” he said. “It was initially earmarked for 24 months, but we insisted that the field be fixed within 11 months.”
According to the senator, the contractor was working toward an accelerated completion schedule before delays in international shipping disrupted the delivery of essential materials.
He attributed the delays to what he described as a global crisis involving the United States and Iran, which he claimed had affected shipping schedules. His explanation could not be independently verified.
“The global situation – the shipping lines have not been able to dock at the Port of Monrovia since September 26,” Cyrus said. “They keep changing the date. Another time they talked about October 11 and we were still hopeful, but we actually broke down when new information came that the materials will arrive on November 16.”
Cyrus said nearly eight containers carrying technical and sporting materials were expected to arrive in Liberia by Sept. 26. He maintained that the county would have been able to install a new artificial turf had the shipment arrived as scheduled.
Despite the setback, the senator commended Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah for engaging county officials throughout the process and helping them reach a decision on the venue.
“She communicates well,” he said. “We had a couple of technical meetings and we realized that we cannot host. So, she pleaded with us and assured us that next year we will host after we shall have completed our turf.”
He disclosed that the contractor had already cleared the field and mobilized locally available construction materials in preparation for the installation work.
Cyrus said county officials considered temporarily preparing the existing playing surface to accommodate the group-stage matches but abandoned the option because of its financial implications.
According to him, mobilizing and subsequently removing the temporary arrangements would cost at least US$8,000, an expenditure he described as unjustifiable given the county’s competing financial demands.
“We cannot do that because it is cost-intensive. We are looking for resources to prepare the teams and fix the field. So, we cannot make such an expense in just a few weeks,” he said.
With the hosting opportunity lost, Cyrus said the Sports Steering Committee is now confronting additional expenses associated with transporting, accommodating and feeding athletes and technical staff outside Lofa County.
He disclosed that the committee has developed a US$175,000 budget to cover training, preparation, accommodation, feeding, transportation and other logistical requirements for the county’s participating teams.
However, he expressed concern over the limited financial support received as preparations intensify.
“This week, the teams should be going to camp, but no significant contribution or donation has been made so far, with the exception of Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, who gave US$5,000,” Cyrus said.
“We need money for hotels, feeding, fuel, and per diem for players,” he added.
The senator appealed to Lofa citizens, businesses, political leaders and diaspora organizations to contribute toward the budget, warning that delays in fundraising could undermine the teams’ preparations.
“We did not win last year, but I believe this is our time – all we need to do is to contribute now. Your nickel, dime, and thousands of Liberian Dollars matter to the team now,” he said.
Cyrus disclosed that he has personally financed several aspects of the county’s sports preparations over the years, including player recruitment, training and the purchase of sporting materials.
“Now, only Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah has made a contribution – we need your support. Come out now for Lofa. The county needs your support,” he said.
He also criticized the practice of making financial contributions only when teams advance to the later stages of the competition, stressing that early support is essential for effective preparation.
“We need to stop that notion of contributing late, especially at the end of the league. Let’s think about the motivation of ordinary citizens, the farmers, youth and elders who sit by the radio when Lofa is playing – all they want is victory,” Cyrus said.
He urged residents to set aside political differences and unite behind the county’s athletes, emphasizing that sports development should remain a shared responsibility.
The senator pointed to Lofa’s previous successes in football, kickball and basketball as evidence of the county’s sporting potential.
“Lofa has so many talents – we must help to bring their dreams to reality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cyrus announced plans to launch a US$50,000 basketball court project in Voinjama in the coming weeks as part of efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create opportunities for young athletes.
The planned launch will feature an exhibition match between two basketball teams from Monrovia, providing an opportunity for young people in Lofa to observe competitive basketball and interact with experienced players.
The senator said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to identify and develop emerging sporting talents across the county.
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