Liberia: Sen. Cyrus: Lofa Lost County Meet Hosting Over Delayed Turf Materials

MONROVIA —Lofa County will no longer host Group C of the 2026/2027 National County Sports Meet, after materials needed to complete the Voinjama Sports Pitch failed to arrive on time.

Lofa County Senator and Chair of the County Sports Steering Committee, Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, disclosed the reason on ELBC’s Super Sports program on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Lofa had earlier been selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to host Group C – comprising Lofa, Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Sinoe – beginning November 29, 2026, in Voinjama.

Following a series of technical assessments of the pitch, the Ministry designated Grand Bassa County to replace Lofa as host. The opening ceremony, scheduled for November 28, 2026, will now take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville, Montserrado County.

Senator Cyrus said the county and its officials should not be blamed.

“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.”

He blamed the delay on the global crisis – the war between America and Iran – which disrupted shipping lines and prevented materials from reaching Liberia on time.

“The global situation – the shipping lines have not been able to dock at the Port of Monrovia since September 26,” Senator 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.”

According to him, nearly eight containers filled with technical and sporting materials to condition the field should have arrived by September 26. Had they arrived on time, Lofa would have had a brand-new turf.

Senator Cyrus praised Youth and Sports Minister, Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, for her handling of the situation.

“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 said the contractor has already mobilized local materials and cleaned the field in preparation for the real work.

However, Senator Cyrus explained that temporarily preparing the field for the group stage would cost the county not less than US$8,000 to mobilize and demobilize within a few weeks – money the county cannot afford to waste.

“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.

Call for Support

The Steering Committee Chair used the occasion to rally Lofa citizens at home and abroad to support the county teams financially.

The sudden change of venue has significantly increased Lofa County’s financial burden, requiring huge support from its citizens.

Senator Cyrus said because the teams will no longer enjoy home advantage as hosts, the Steering Committee has crafted a US$175,000 budget to cover preparation, training, feeding, and lodging.

“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,” he said.

“We need money for hotels, feeding, fuel, and per diem for players,” Cyrus added.

The Lofa County Senator called on every Lofian to immediately contribute toward the budget to ensure the teams are prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally to clinch the trophies in this year’s edition of the National County Sports Meet.

“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.

Senator Cyrus disclosed that over the years, he has used resources from his own pocket to start everything, including training, preparation, recruitment, and training 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.

“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,” Senator Cyrus said.

He called on all citizens and residents of Lofa to set aside political differences and unite to move the county forward in sports development.

Senator Cyrus noted that Lofa has been transformed in sports, evidenced by recently winning the football, kickball and basketball trophies.

“Lofa has so many talents – we must help to bring their dreams to reality,” he said.

In support of talent development, Senator Cyrus is expected to launch a US$50,000 basketball court in Voinjama City in the coming weeks. The launch will feature an exhibition match between two basketball teams from Monrovia, allowing young people in Lofa to witness firsthand the talent and skills they can aspire to.