Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has completed the long-awaited floodlights restoration project at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex, a development valued at approximately US$500,000 signaling the long-awaited return of night football at the stadium.
After several years of darkness at the nation’s only CAF-approved stadium, the project’s completion marks a major milestone in the government’s effort to revitalize sports infrastructure.
According to the Ministry, the new lighting system was fully installed and tested on Sunday, October 26, 2025, allowing for evening matches for the first time over two years.
“The floodlights are 100 percent done,” confirmed Deputy Minister for Sports, G. Andy Quamie, in a telephone interview. “They are about 1,200 lux in brightness and, if properly maintained, could last between 15 and 20 years.”
The upgraded lighting now meets international standards, paving the way for National County Sports Meet games, LFA league night matches, and potentially CAF and FIFA-sanctioned fixtures to be hosted under the lights at the SKD.
In a separate conversation, Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, disclosed that the entire floodlights restoration project cost around US$500,000.
“This is a major step toward improving sports facilities in Liberia,” Minister Bangalu noted. “We want to ensure that our athletes and fans enjoy world-class experiences.”
He, however, clarified that the ongoing painting and renovation work at the stadium has not yet been fully costed, as the project remains incomplete.
Images of the illuminated SKD quickly went viral on social media last week , sparking excitement among Liberians eager to see the return of nighttime football. Many described the development as a “new dawn” for sports in Liberia.
Yet, some citizens have called for a more ambitious approach urging the government to invest in building a new modern stadium rather than continuously refurbishing the decades-old SKD.
Despite differing opinions, the SKD remains a vital national asset, currently serving as the home ground for both Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone, as both countries navigate CAF stadium compliance challenges.
With the floodlights now restored, the SKD is once again ready to host major football events under the bright lights a symbolic step forward for Liberian sports.
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