MONROVIA — Declaring that Liberia has “not forgotten” the men and women whose sacrifices shaped the country’s sporting history, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has honored veteran Liberian football icon Josiah Nils Johnson popularly known as “JNJ” with a personal visit and a pledge of immediate government intervention.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected] | 0777898224/0886723075
President Boakai visited Johnson at his residence in Barnesville, Gardnesville Township, on Saturday September 5,2026 describing the courtesy call as official recognition of the veteran footballer’s decades of contribution to sports and national development.
“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.”
The Liberian leader admitted that while his own youth was consumed by personal responsibilities rather than athletics, his admiration for sports remains strong and continues to shape his administration’s vision for youth development.
“I never lived a childhood life devoted to sports owing to the fact that all my life has been saddled with work and other responsibilities imposed on me by circumstances,” Boakai explained. “If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future.”
‘We Have Not Forgotten You’
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, President Boakai praised Johnson for his selfless service during an era when national athletes competed without adequate financial compensation.
“We have not forgotten you. The country has not forgotten,” Boakai told the veteran footballer. “We remember your invaluable contributions to this country that you gave without adequate compensation. We appreciate you.”
During the visit, the President listened to pressing concerns regarding Johnson’s living conditions, specifically the deteriorating roof of his residence and poor road access leading to the property.
To address the immediate needs, President Boakai directed his Chief of Staff to engage Johnson’s representatives, conduct an immediate assessment, and coordinate government-funded structural repairs.
The chief patron of sports also committed the Ministry of Public Works to explore measures to rehabilitate the access road, which has suffered severe degradation from heavy rainfall and land encroachment.
As a way of identifying with the Josiah Johnson the Liberian leader made an immediate personal monetary contribution toward Johnson’s
personal welfare and healthcare needs.
A Pioneer of Liberian Football
Born July 27, 1939, in Butaw, Sinoe County, Josiah Nils Johnson stands as one of the most decorated figures in Liberian sports history.
The former national team midfielder represented the Lone Star between 1958 and 1971 before moving into coaching and later serving as Head Coach of the national team from 1971 to 1979.
His football legacy includes some of the most memorable achievements in the country’s sporting history, including Liberia’s historic 3–1 victory over Ghana and the national team’s success in the Six-Nation Tournament.
“The Lone Star of yesterday set the agenda for the Lone Star of today,” President Boakai noted, adding that his administration remains committed to establishing a national football academy to train the next generation.
Gratitude and Support for Former Veterans
In response, Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the presidential delegation, describing the visit as a historic gesture for his family.
“Here, your flower is given to you,” Johnson told the President. “My entire family is appreciative of your visit and your leadership. We are grateful, and this will be remembered throughout my family history.”
Johnson also commended the administration’s ongoing infrastructure drive in southeastern Liberia, highlighting approved travel times across Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Bassa, and Monrovia.
Meanwhile, the executive intervention coincides with ongoing Ministry of Youth and Sports initiatives providing stipend support to retired national team players under the Former Lone Star Players Association.
According to the Association Chairman Washington Blay, while retired players continue to draw support initiated during former Minister Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu’s tenure, the group hopes the administration will consider expanding the budget allocation to help aging athletes handle rising medical and cost-of-living expenses.
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