MONROVIA — Lofa County’s preparations for the 2026 National County Sports Meet have suffered a major setback,with ongoing construction work at its principal sports stadium threatening the county’s ability to host scheduled home matches during the competition.

By Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The development means Lofa could be forced to play its matches outside the county, denying local supporters the opportunity to rally behind their team on home soil.

Senator Momo Cyrus, Chairman of the Lofa County Steering Committee, disclosed the venue challenges during an appearance on Voice of Liberia 104.1 FM’s flagship morning program, Good Morning Liberia.

Senator Cyrus also confirmed that Montserrado County will host the official kickoff of the 2026 National County Sports Meet, signaling the commencement of another edition of Liberia’s premier inter-county sporting showcase.

Meanwhile, Group A matches will be staged at the Doris Williams Sports Pitch in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

Lofa County has been drawn in Group A alongside Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Sinoe, setting up a highly competitive preliminary round among the four sides.

Questions Over Lofa’s Readiness to Host

Beyond the confirmed venue arrangements, fresh concerns are emerging over Lofa County’s readiness to host Group matches.

The condition of the stadium pitch has reportedly raised red flags, with overgrown grass yet to be cleared and overall preparations appearing to lag behind schedule.

As a result, Grand Bassa County is being considered as a possible alternative venue should Lofa fail to meet the required hosting standards.

However, organizers have yet to issue an official confirmation regarding a venue change.

The situation places additional pressure on the tournament’s steering committee to ensure all participating counties feature suitable facilities ahead of the games.

For Lofa County, the stadium delay represents more than a logistical hurdle—it risks depriving the squad of the vital home support that so often defines the atmosphere and competitive edge of the National County Sports Meet.

MONROVIA — Borough FC produced a dramatic finish on Wednesday, scoring a 95th-minute winner to defeat Shaita FC 2-1 in the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division League and claim three valuable points.

By Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Boroughans made an impressive start to the encounter, taking the lead just five minutes into the game through Christopher Wesseh, who marked his first start with his first goal for the club.
Wesseh finished clinically with a header after receiving an assist from Vitalis Sie to give Borough an early advantage.

With the lead intact, Borough appeared set to secure maximum points until Shaita FC found a late equalizer in the 90th minute, threatening to share the spoils.

However, Borough refused to settle for a draw.
Substitute Moham Nyanti became the difference-maker after winning a crucial penalty in the closing moments of the match.

Alex Reeves took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted in the 95th minute to restore Borough’s lead and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The result handed Borough FC their second win of the campaign, while Shaita FC were left disappointed after conceding just five minutes after finding their equalizer.

Borough Move to 12th

The victory takes Borough FC to seven points from six matches (two wins, one draw, and three defeats), placing them 12th in the 18-team league standings.

Shaita FC, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from six matches, having struggled to find consistency in the opening stages of the campaign.

Bea Mountain Maintain Perfect Record

Elsewhere, Bea Mountain FC continued their impressive start to the season, defeating LISCR FC 1-0 to maintain their 100 percent winning record.

The league leaders have collected 18 points from six matches and remain the only side yet to drop points this season.
Freeport FC occupy second place with 15 points, followed by Paynesville FC, FC Fassell, Discoveries SA, and NPA Anchors among the leading pack.

The defending champions, Watanga FC, are finding life difficult this season. They are yet to register a victory, having recorded three draws and three defeats to leave them with just three points from six outings.

Wednesday’s Results:

• Blackman Warriors 3-1 Paynesville FC
• Watanga FC 1-1 Discoveries SA
• District-17 3-2 Golden Dream
• Freeport FC 2-1 Heaven Eleven
• Shaita FC 1-2 Borough FC
• Downtown FC 3-2 Wologizi FC
• FC Fassell 0-0 LPRC Oilers
• Bea Mountain 1-0 LISCR FC

With six matches played, the First Division campaign is beginning to take shape, as Bea Mountain set the early pace while several established sides, including the defending champions, face mounting pressure to turn their fortunes around.

Lofa County Faces Home Venue Setback as Stadium Construction Disrupts County Meet Preparations

MONROVIA — Wologizi Football Club has suspended its head coach, Jasper I. Benfelix, for one month over alleged violations of the club’s policies and regulations.

By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The suspension, which took immediate effect on November 1, 2026, was announced in an official statement issued by the club’s management on November 3, 2026.

According to the statement, the disciplinary measure is intended to allow for a thorough investigation into the alleged violations, with Benfelix set to remain suspended throughout the one-month period.

In his absence, trainer Anthony S. Laffor has been appointed caretaker head coach and will oversee all technical and team affairs.

Management has called on the players, technical staff, and executive officers to fully cooperate with Laffor and respect the club’s decision during the suspension period.

Wologizi FC emphasized that the decision underscores its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and accountability,stressing that the overall interest of the club remains paramount.

The club, however, stopped short of disclosing the specific nature of the alleged infractions or indicating whether further disciplinary action could follow the conclusion of the investigation.

Benfelix’s suspension comes as Wologizi FC continues its campaign in the ongoing 2026/2027 Liberian football season.

MONROVIA — The Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has challenged beneficiaries of the recently concluded 12-day Coaching and Refereeing Beginner and Intermediate Course to use their newly acquired knowledge to transform the country’s sports industry.

Speaking on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Solidarity-funded training program, LNOC President Sylvester Rennie emphasized that capacity-building platforms are essential for local technicians to impact others and drive grassroots sports development.

Rennie noted that LNOC observations during the practical sessions confirmed that high-level technical materials were delivered to participants tools he said would elevate overall performance and results if consistently applied.

“This training was intended to brush up those who have had similar training in the past and serve as a foundation for new coaches who had no prior training,” Rennie said. “We want to pose this challenge to you: go out there and train young coaches and athletes.”

He reiterated the LNOC’s commitment to securing similar training opportunities for other sporting federations, expressing gratitude to Olympic Solidarity for supporting the initiative.

Addressing the issue of talent drain in local sports administration, Rennie described refresher courses for players, coaches,and key stakeholders as critical to institutional growth.

“Do not keep the knowledge to yourselves,” he urged. “Others must benefit, and that is the best way you can impact them for the good of the game.”

The course expert, Nigerian coach Akinloye Rotimi, reminded participants that the final assessment was not the true test of their abilities. He noted that while the closing examinations fulfilled official requirements, their real evaluation lies in daily practice and execution.

Rotimi urged the coaches to raise the profile of Liberian tennis by adopting modern game tactics and mentoring athletes capable of competing internationally.

“You completed the course, but it has not really ended,” Rotimi stated. “Your evaluation actually begins now. How you nurture your athletes and yourself as a coach to impact tennis in your community and the world at large is your true test.”

He praised the LNOC and the Liberia Tennis Federation (LTF) for collaborating with international partners to bring the crucial training to Liberia for the first time in over 18 years.

The 12-day program launched on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville brought together coaches, referees, desk officers, and technical personnel to build capacity for regional sports development.

At the launch, the LNOC leadership stated that capacity building has remained a priority since taking office in 2025.Rennie explained that Olympic Solidarity approved funding for the course to help align Liberian coaches with continental standards through professional mentorship and updated technical knowledge.

Rennie added that while the committee originally planned to host eight courses across various disciplines this year, administrative delays between certain federations and the LNOC slowed implementation.

Liberian football consultant Wleh Bedell has questioned the motivation of Watanga FC and Black Man Warriors FC in the ongoing Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division League following the failure to register the two clubs for their respective CAF interclub competitions.

Watanga FC were expected to represent Liberia in the CAF Champions League, while Black Man Warriors were set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup. However, their failure to participate has raised concerns about accountability, player motivation, and the overall management of Liberian football.

In a strongly worded statement, Bedell wondered how the two clubs are coping with the disappointment, particularly as both teams have reportedly struggled to secure victories in the ongoing league campaign.

He argued that missing out on continental competition deprives players of valuable international exposure and an opportunity to test themselves against other clubs across Africa, potentially affecting their motivation to compete in another domestic season.

Bedell also criticized the apparent absence of punitive measures against those responsible for the registration failure, questioning why no one has been held accountable for what he described as a serious administrative lapse.

The football consultant expressed frustration over what he perceives as a culture of impunity in Liberian football, suggesting that expressions of regret and promises to take responsibility are insufficient without concrete action.

His comments have renewed the debate over accountability within the LFA and the need to protect the interests of clubs, players, and the wider football community.

For Watanga and Black Man Warriors, the focus remains on their domestic campaigns, but questions surrounding their missed continental opportunities and the consequences of the registration failure continue to linger.

MONROVIA — Flames Basketball, runners-up in the just-ended Liberian Basketball Association (LBA) Women’s Division, is grappling with severe financial and logistical hurdles as it prepares to host the preliminary qualifiers for the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) from November 4 to 8, 2026.

The club is seeking roughly US$60,000 in budgetary support to host the continental showcase at a time when the governing body, the LBA, is reeling from its own crippling debt and operational constraints.

Addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Thursday, Flames Basketball’s leadership confirmed its readiness to host the tournament at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Gymnasium in Paynesville.

Six women’s clubs representing four West African nations are slated to compete.

Flames Basketball President Fenny Taylor-Diggs emphasized that despite the staggering financial demands, the club remains committed to empowering young Liberian women through sports.

“Liberian basketball, particularly the women’s game, requires deliberate investment to encourage more young women to pursue sports as a career and a path to empowerment,” Taylor-Diggs said.

She stressed that hosting the qualifiers extends far beyond the club’s institutional obligations, describing it as a national opportunity to expose local talent to international standards.

“We are delighted as Flames Basketball to earn the trust of FIBA Africa and the LBA to bring this tournament to Monrovia,” Taylor-Diggs added.

“Our primary ambition is to deliver an exceptional tournament and secure a spot in the next stage of the competition in Egypt next year.”

She issued a passionate appeal to the Government of Liberia, corporate entities, and public institutions to rally behind the team and support the event.

Joining the conference, LBA Vice President Yanqueh Borsay admitted that the basketball authority is facing severe financial constraints, leaving the body indebted to several local vendors and unable to extend direct financial assistance to Flames.

“The LBA is standing with Flames Basketball in spirit, but our current financial limitations severely constrain our capacity to provide direct funding,” Borsay acknowledged.

Despite the financial strain, Borsay urged the nation to back the team fully, emphasizing that technical, physical, and emotional preparation will be vital for the players’ performance on home soil.

Hannah Daye, Chairperson of the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC), outlined the venue and operational preparations currently underway to meet FIBA Africa’s hosting mandates.

According to Daye, the US$60,000 budget covers venue renovations at the SKD Gymnasium, local transportation,security, meals, and specialized accommodation for visiting international match officials and FIBA representatives.

“Securing corporate sponsorships and public donations remains our main operational focus to cover these mandatory overheads,” Daye noted, calling on potential sponsors to invest in the advancement of women’s athletics in Liberia.

The five-day tournament will feature six regional powerhouses: Flames Basketball and D-Rokas representing host nation Liberia; Mountain of Fire (MFM) and First Bank from Nigeria; Energie BB from Benin; and Friends of Basketball (FBA) from Côte d’Ivoire.

MONROVIA — Liberian Basketball Association (LBA) Women’s Champions D-Rokas have sent a clear signal of their regional ambitions, bolstering their roster with the high-profile acquisition of Senegalese internationals Ramatoulaye Sy and Fatou Sene Diagne.

By Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The dynamic duo was officially unveiled in Monrovia on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the Liberian champions step up preparations to represent the nation at the upcoming FIBA Zone III International Women’s Basketball Championship qualifiers.

The Senegalese internationals bring elite pedigree to D-Rokas.

Recruiting from Senegal—a dominant powerhouse in African women’s basketball brings proven international pedigree,tactical versatility, and depth to D-Rokas’ rotation.

The move highlights the club’s determination to translate domestic dominance into continental success when facing West Africa’s top clubs.

With the regional tournament fast approaching, the primary tactical hurdle for D-Rokas’ coaching staff will be integrating Sy and Diagne into the squad’s playing system to build swift court chemistry with their new Liberian teammates.

Expectations will be high for the national champions to make a statement on home soil and deliver a strong showing for Liberia on the continental stage.

MONROVIA — Liberian international defender Jamal Arago has officially completed a transfer to Indian second-tier club Samaleswari SC, marking another significant chapter in the veteran centre-back’s global football career following his departure from Libyan Premier League side Al-Ta’awon.

By Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The left-footed defender brings extensive experience across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East to his new club as he prepares to make an immediate impact in Indian football.

Arago’s move to Asia comes on the heels of a brief spell with Al-Ta’awon, whom he joined on a free transfer from Kosovan top-flight outfit SC Gjilani on September 26, 2025.

During his stint in Libya, the towering defender made 15 Premier League appearances.

Born in Accra, Ghana, to a Liberian-Ghanaian heritage, the defender made his senior international debut for Liberia in 2021.

Over a decade-long professional journey, he has featured in domestic leagues across Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Finland, and Greece.

His most notable club spell came in the Kosovan Superliga, where he logged 107 top-flight appearances while tallying one goal and four assists.

He also recorded 17 appearances in the Saudi First Division League during his time with Ohod Club.

Arago’s signing expands the growing roster of Liberian football ambassadors competing abroad.

Details regarding his contract length, transfer terms, and anticipated debut date have not yet been disclosed by Samaleswari SC.

MONROVIA— League leaders Bea Mountain FC preserved their perfect start to the 2026/27 Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division season on Wednesday, coming from behind to defeat former champions FC Fassell 2-1 at the D. Twe Field in New Kru Town, Bushrod Island.

By Christopher C. Walker  0777898224/0886723075 christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Gold Boys, who entered the midweek encounter with nine points from three matches, showed resilience after conceding an early goal before producing two second-half strikes to secure all three points and maintain their 100 percent record.

Frankly Vambo put Fassell ahead in the 18th minute with a powerful set-piece, but Bea Mountain responded through Ralph Weah in the 75th minute before Josiah Lactro completed the comeback eight minutes later.

The result handed Bea Mountain’s Turkish head coach, Ibrahim Cezayir, victory over Fassell’s Spanish manager, Vicente Parras, in a contest that brought together two early title contenders.

Fassell entered the match sitting third with seven points, just two behind the leaders, hoping to close the gap at the summit. Instead, the Soccer Missionaries suffered their first defeat of the campaign after failing to protect their halftime advantage.

Vambo Fires Fassell Ahead

Fassell began the encounter with determination, looking to disrupt Bea Mountain’s rhythm and capitalize on the opportunity to challenge the league leaders.

Their aggressive approach paid off in the 18th minute when Vambo unleashed a powerful set-piece that beat the Bea Mountain  wall to give the Soccer Missionaries a 1-0 lead.

The goal put Fassell in control of the contest and gave Parras’ side an opportunity to manage the game against a Bea Mountain team that had won its opening three matches.

Despite several attempts by the Gold Boys to restore parity, Fassell maintained their advantage through the remainder of the first half.

The Soccer Missionaries went into the break with a narrow lead, leaving Bea Mountain needing a much stronger second-half performance to preserve their flawless record.

Weah Sparks the Comeback

Bea Mountain returned from the break with renewed urgency as they searched for an equalizer.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute when Ralph Weah produced a superb curling finish to bring the score to 1-1.

The goal dramatically shifted the momentum, giving the league leaders fresh belief and putting Fassell under increasing pressure.

With the match approaching its closing stages, Bea Mountain continued their push for a winner.

Their determination was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Josiah Lactro found the back of the net to complete the comeback and put the Gold Boys ahead for the first time.

The late header proved decisive as Bea Mountain held on to secure a 2-1 victory, turning a potential setback into another statement of their early-season ambitions.

The victory extended their winning run to four matches, leaving them  at the top of the table with 12 points from four games.

For Fassell, the loss was a severe blow after taking the lead and carrying their advantage into halftime, only to concede twice in the final 15 minutes.

Cezayir Wins Tactical Battle

The encounter provided an intriguing tactical contest between Cezayir and Parras, two foreign coaches seeking to establish their teams among the leading contenders for the First Division crown.

Cezayir’s side demonstrated patience and resilience after falling behind, eventually finding the breakthrough in the closing stages to secure the victory.

For Bea Mountain, the result was another indication of their ability to grind out points under pressure rather than relying solely on attacking flair.

Parras, meanwhile, will be left to assess how his side surrendered a promising position after controlling the opening period.

Returning U-20 Stars Strengthen Bea Mountain

Bea Mountain’s pre-match preparations had drawn significant attention following the return of several young stars who recently represented Liberia at the WAFU U-20 tournament.

The club had six players involved in the national team’s campaign: Amos Parched, Darius Garmondeh, Pewou Bestman Jr., Josiah Lactro, Moses Kamara, and Ralph Weah.

Weah and Lactro ultimately made decisive contributions to the comeback, with Weah restoring parity before Lactro delivered the winning goal.

The match also featured an interesting reunion involving goalkeeper Ahameh Savage, who recently moved from Fassell to Bea Mountain, and Ketu Jerbo, a former Bea Mountain player now featured for the Soccer Missionaries.

Their connections to both clubs added extra spice to an already high-stakes fixture.

Historical Advantage Fails to Save Fassell

Despite Bea Mountain’s strong start to the campaign, recent head-to-head records had favored Fassell prior to Wednesday’s meeting.

Across their previous four First Division encounters, Fassell had recorded two victories, compared with one win for Bea Mountain and one draw, outscoring the Gold Boys 6-3 during that stretch.

Fassell won 3-0 on October 16, 2024, before recording a 3-2 victory on February 4, 2025. The sides played to a goalless draw on December 11, 2025, while Bea Mountain secured a narrow 1-0 victory on March 1, 2026.

Wednesday’s comeback provided Bea Mountain with another statement result in the growing rivalry and further solidified their place at the top of the standings.

Sirleaf Watches From the Stands

Former Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) Chief Executive Officer Robert Alvin Sirleaf was also present at D. Twe Field to take in the encounter.

During its active years, BYC was among the elite clubs that brought fierce competition to Liberian football, challenging established sides and winning domestic honors. While the club is no longer active, its legacy remains an integral part of the country’s domestic football story, and Sirleaf’s presence brought back memories of BYC’s glory days.

Focus Shifts Across the League

Wednesday’s fixtures produced several other notable outcomes across the First Division:

LPRC Oilers 2–1 Watanga FC: Cooper Sannoh scored against his former club to help the Oilers claim all three points.

Paynesville FC 5–2 Freeport FC, Paynesville recorded an emphatic high-scoring victory.

Heaven Eleven 4–0 Down Town FC: Heaven Eleven dominated from start to finish in a blowout win.

Discoveries SA 3–1 District #17: Discoveries earned a comfortable victory at home.

Shaita FC 1–1 Golden Dream FC: Both sides shared the points in a tight contest.

Gardnersville FC 1–1 Wologizi FC: Played out to a score draw.

LISCR FC 0–0 Blackman Warriors: Settled for a goalless draw.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s Bushrod Island derby, where NPA Anchors will host Borough FC at Tusa Field in Gardnersville in the only scheduled First Division fixture.

NPA Anchors enter the match with seven points, while Borough FC have four.

MONROVIA— Liberian central referee Nehemiah E. Torbor reached a significant career milestone on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, marking 10 years of officiating football and celebrating a decade dedicated to maintaining integrity on the pitch.

By Christopher C. Walker  0777898224/0886723075 christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

Torbor’s journey began in October 2016 at the St. Francis Football Field in Pleebo City, Maryland County, where he took his initial steps into match officiating.

Ten years later, his anniversary coincided with a top-flight assignment refereeing the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division encounter between District #17 and Discoveries SA at the D. Twe Field in New Kru Town, Monrovia.

The match ended in a 3-1 victory for visiting Discoveries SA, adding another solid performance to Torbor’s growing body of work.

A Decade of Commitment

From his grassroots beginnings in Pleebo City to the top tier of Liberian football, Torbor’s career reflects the discipline,fitness, and mental sharpness required in a demanding profession.

Referees remain pivotal to the domestic game, tasked with upholding rules, managing player conduct, and making crucial split-second decisions under intense pressure.

For Torbor, reaching the decade mark is less about the milestone itself and more about his ongoing responsibility to the sport.

Experienced Crew on Duty

Wednesday’s milestone fixture also featured former Liberian “Best Referee” Joel Doe, one of the nation’s most seasoned assistant referees.

Doe’s inclusion provided additional experience to the officiating crew as they managed the competitive First Division clash.

As Torbor reflects on 10 years of service, his progression from rural Maryland County to Liberia’s premier division stands as a testament to perseverance and dedication in domestic football administration.