Liberia: James Debbah Hails President Boakai’s Historic Visit to Liberian Sports Icon Josiah N. Johnson

MONROVIA – Former Liberian international James Salinsa Debbah has praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for personally visiting veteran football icon Josiah Nils Johnson, describing the gesture as an unprecedented act of humility and national recognition for one of the country’s sporting pioneers.

By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]

President Boakai, Liberia’s Chief Patron of Sports, visited Johnson popularly known as “JNJ” at his residence in Barnesville, Gardnersville Township, on Saturday, September 5.

Debbah, who benefited directly from Johnson’s coaching and mentorship, stated that the significance of the President’s visit may not be fully understood by many Liberians right away, but asserted that the decision of a sitting President to leave the Executive Mansion and visit the home of a veteran athlete deserves nationwide applause.

“Look, I want to say kudos. I want to say thank you to the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai,” Debbah said. “That initiative is unprecedented in the history of this country. To give a man his flowers while he is still alive, to recognize a man who has mentored and guided two generations of Liberian football superstars and who is also a godfather of Liberian sports, that is something special.”

The former Lone Star Senior Men’s team Coach Debbah added that the magnitude of the President’s benevolence reflects genuine leadership.

“For a legendary player to receive such a visit from a sitting President, leaving the Mansion and driving to the former international’s home, needs to be applauded by all,” Debbah added.

“What the President did is an act of humility, and I just don’t know what to say. All I can say is thank you, Mr. President, and may God continue to bless you.”

‘We Have Not Forgotten You’

President Boakai’s visit to Johnson served as an official recognition of the veteran sportsman’s decades of service to Liberian sports and national development.

Declaring that Liberia has not forgotten the men and women whose sacrifices helped shape the country’s sporting history, the President noted that his administration remains committed to honoring those who served, particularly during eras when athletes received little to no financial reward.

“I admire the people who have contributed to the development of sports in Liberia,” President Boakai said during the visit. “That is why I am here today to recognize and give back to those who have made contributions to the Liberian sporting community.”

“If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future,” Boakai noted.

Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, the President assured Johnson: “We have not forgotten you. The country has not forgotten. We remember the invaluable contributions that you gave without adequate compensation. We appreciate you.”

A Pioneer of Liberian Football

Born on July 27, 1939, in Butaw, Sinoe County, Josiah Nils Johnson remains one of the most revered figures in Liberian sports history.

As a national team midfielder, Johnson represented the Lone Star from 1958 to 1971 before transitioning into coaching. He served as Head Coach of the national team from 1971 to 1979, laying the tactical foundation for subsequent generations of Liberian footballers.

His tenure included major milestones, such as Lone Star’s historic 3–1 victory over Ghana and success in the regional Six-Nation Tournament.

Expressing his gratitude, Johnson described the executive visit as a deeply emotional milestone for his family.

“My entire family is appreciative of your visit and your leadership,” Johnson said. “We are grateful, and this will be remembered throughout my family’s history.”

For Debbah and the broader sports community, the visit stands as a powerful statement: that those who built Liberia’s sporting foundation will receive their honor while they are still alive to witness it.