By Amos Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has called for the establishment of a consistent and competitive Lone Star national football team capable of strongly representing Liberia on the international stage.
Speaking at a fundraising rally dinner for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia, President Boakai urged stakeholders to move beyond celebrating Liberia’s historic footballing achievements and focus on building a sustainable system that produces talent for future generations. Emphasizing that investing in sports is an investment in the nation’s youth and future, the President noted that Liberia’s primary hurdle has never been a lack of talent, but rather the absence of a structured system to identify, develop, and support young athletes.
To directly bolster player morale and support, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, announced an immediate increase in financial incentives for the national team. Appearance fees and winning bonuses have both been raised from US$1,000 to US$2,500, with the updated rates taking effect for the team’s upcoming fixture in Rwanda.
President Boakai also commended Bea Mountain Mining Corporation for its commitment to construct two football academies in Liberia, highlighting the planned facilities as a pioneering investment in grassroots youth development. Concluding his remarks, the Liberian leader appealed to government officials, corporate entities, and private investors to transition from one-off donations toward long-term strategic partnerships in developing domestic sports. The fundraising drive aimed to raise US$10 million, securing just over US$3 million during the event.
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