MONROVIA, Liberia — Lofa County will no longer stage Group C of the 2026/2027 National County Sports Meet after delays in the arrival of critical materials for the ongoing renovation of the Voinjama Sports Pitch made it impossible to prepare the facility on schedule.
Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, who chairs the county’s Sports Steering Committee, confirmed the development during an interview on ELBC’s Super Sports program on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The county was initially selected to host Group C, featuring Lofa, Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Sinoe, with matches scheduled to begin in Voinjama on November 29. Following technical assessments, the Ministry of Youth and Sports reassigned hosting duties to Grand Bassa County. The tournament’s opening ceremony will also move to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville on November 28.
Senator Cyrus said the setback resulted from international shipping delays that affected the delivery of approximately eight containers of materials needed to install the pitch’s artificial turf.
He explained that the shipment was originally expected at the Port of Monrovia on September 26 but was subsequently delayed, with the latest expected arrival date moved to November 16.
According to Cyrus, the contractor had initially been given 24 months to complete the project, but county officials pushed for the work to be finished within 11 months to accommodate the competition.
He attributed the shipping difficulties to international disruptions linked to the reported conflict between the United States and Iran, adding that repeated changes to delivery schedules undermined the county’s preparations.
The senator defended the county’s leadership, saying officials had made efforts to ensure the facility was ready. He also praised Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah for consulting with stakeholders and communicating throughout the process.
Cyrus said the minister had assured the county that it could host the competition next year once the pitch is completed.
He disclosed that the contractor had already cleared the playing area and mobilized locally available materials while awaiting the delayed shipment.
The senator further estimated that temporarily preparing the field for this year’s matches would cost at least US$8,000 in mobilization and demobilization expenses, describing the expenditure as unnecessary given the county’s competing financial obligations.
Lofa Appeals for US$175,000
Following the loss of its hosting opportunity, the Sports Steering Committee is seeking US$175,000 to support the county’s teams ahead of the competition.
Cyrus said the budget would cover training, camping, accommodation, meals, transportation, and other logistical requirements.
He disclosed that preparations were expected to begin during the week, but financial contributions had so far been limited. Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah was identified as the only contributor, having provided US$5,000.
The senator appealed to Lofians at home and abroad, as well as businesspeople and other stakeholders, to support the teams financially.
He also disclosed that he had personally financed several previous preparations, including player recruitment, training activities, and sporting equipment.
Cyrus urged citizens not to wait until the competition was nearing its conclusion before making contributions, emphasizing that early support would help improve the players’ readiness and morale.
Despite Lofa’s failure to win the previous edition, he expressed optimism about the county’s chances this year and called for unity beyond political differences.
He said the county possesses considerable sporting talent, pointing to its recent achievements in football, kickball, and basketball.
US$50,000 Basketball Facility Planned for Voinjama
Meanwhile, Senator Cyrus is expected to launch a US$50,000 basketball court project in Voinjama City in the coming weeks as part of efforts to strengthen sports development in the county.
The launch is expected to feature an exhibition match involving two basketball teams from Monrovia, providing young people an opportunity to observe experienced players and develop their interest in the sport.
Cyrus said sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and emerging athletes would help create opportunities for young people and advance Lofa County’s sporting ambitions.
