Published: March 6, 2026
MONROVIA — Aletha Massaquoi’s journey through the ranks of football administration in Liberia is a story of persistence, professional growth and inspiration.
At a time when more young professionals are stepping into leadership roles within the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Massaquoi’s rise stands out — particularly for women seeking careers in football beyond the playing field.
Massaquoi joined the LFA as an intern during the administration of former president Musa Bility, who led the association from 2010 to 2018. During those early years, she worked across several departments, including the office of the secretary-general, where she gained valuable firsthand experience in football administration.
Those formative years laid the foundation for what would become a steady climb through the organization.
When the current LFA administration took office in 2018, Massaquoi was appointed women’s football desk officer — a role that placed her at the center of efforts to develop and promote the women’s game in Liberia.
In 2025, Massaquoi was appointed acting women’s football manager. After demonstrating strong leadership and delivering results within the department, she was later confirmed in the position on a permanent basis.
Since taking over the department, the women’s football program has undergone notable transformation and is now regarded as one of the association’s best-performing units.
Among her key achievements is the successful implementation of the LFA’s women’s football capacity-building programs and nationwide festivals aimed at promoting the sport among young girls.
The initiative, funded by FIFA, focused on strengthening the skills of women involved in football across seven of Liberia’s 15 counties: Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, Lofa, River Gee and Grand Kru.
The program provided training for women football stakeholders in several areas, including administration and technical development.
Building on that progress, the LFA expanded the initiative into a nationwide women’s football festival campaign targeting girls ages 6 to 12 in schools across the country. The campaign aims to increase awareness and participation in the women’s game at the grassroots level.
Massaquoi also took the message to the airwaves, participating in a series of media engagements and radio programs to promote women’s football and encourage greater community involvement.
Those efforts have recently earned her international recognition.
During one of her media engagements, Massaquoi was selected to participate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the United States Embassy near Monrovia.
The three-week professional exchange program — titled “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity” — is being held in Washington, D.C., from March 2 to March 20.
The IVLP is a flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State that brings emerging leaders from around the world together to explore best practices in governance, leadership and sector development.
Participants examine how major sporting events can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, attract investment and strengthen community engagement.
According to the LFA, Massaquoi’s selection represents more than a personal milestone.
It reflects growing international recognition of Liberia’s efforts to strengthen and professionalize the structures supporting women’s football.
The association said the experience is expected to enhance strategic planning, event management and long-term sustainability within the women’s game in Liberia.
The opportunity also aligns with the development agenda of LFA President Mustapha Raji, whose administration has prioritized capacity building and institutional growth as key pillars for advancing football nationwide.
Massaquoi’s growing influence in the region has also earned her another significant assignment.
In 2025, the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone appointed her to serve in key roles during the 2025 WAFU A Women’s Cup, which took place in Mauritania from May 22 to May 31, 2025.
She served as a member of the tournament’s Technical Study Group — a role reserved for professionals tasked with analyzing matches and providing technical insights aimed at improving the game.
For many observers, Massaquoi’s journey — from intern to international football administrator — underscores the expanding opportunities for women in football leadership.
For young girls across Liberia who dream of building a future in the sport, her path offers a powerful reminder that football is not only played on the field — it is also shaped in the offices, classrooms and leadership spaces where decisions about its future are made.
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