Published: July 4, 2025
Paynesville — As the Liberia Football Association league winds down each year, local football doesn’t go quiet. Instead, it surges with renewed energy through the Z-Billion Allstar Tournament, an off-season showcase that has quickly become a fixture on Liberia’s sporting calendar.
Launched in 2020 with just eight teams, the tournament has evolved into a vibrant, highly anticipated event that keeps the football spirit alive well beyond the regular season.
Hosted at the Voka Mission Field in Paynesville, the tournament draws enthusiastic crowds and highlights some of Liberia’s brightest football talent. For players, it’s a chance to maintain fitness and sharpen skills. For fans, it offers continued excitement through dynamic performances and community engagement.
More than a competition, the Z-Billion Allstar has become a celebration of sportsmanship and unity.
In 2023, the tournament introduced a women’s division, a major step for gender inclusion in Liberian football. One Goal Allstar claimed the inaugural title — a milestone hailed as a breakthrough for the women’s game in the country.
Speaking Tuesday with The Liberian Investigator in Monrovia, tournament founder Z. Mailbag Nuwolo said the goal was to keep players active and supporters engaged between seasons.
“The essence of the Z-Billion Allstar Tournament is to keep players in shape and keep football followers lively while the LFA league is on break,” Nuwolo said.
He emphasized the value of the tournament for athletes preparing for both domestic and international league play, while also acknowledging the financial hurdles organizers face.
“Running this tournament every year is very costly,” he said. “We face real challenges due to limited financial support and sponsorships.”
Still, organizers remain committed. Now in its fourth year, the Z-Billion Allstar Tournament continues to gain momentum, sustaining passion for the sport even in the off-season.
Since its inception, the event has hosted championship matches under banners such as the Senior Players Allstar, Elite Allstar, and Footballers Allstar — reflecting its broad appeal and growing status as Liberia’s premier off-season football celebration.
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