Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s most celebrated sporting festival, the National County Sports Meet (NCSM), is scheduled for a grand opening on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Martha Tubman Stadium in Harper City Maryland County.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has assured the nation that all preparations for the 2025/2026 edition are fully on course.
This year’s tournament will run under the theme “Inclusive Development Through Sports” and will feature three major disciplines: Football, Kickball, and Basketball.
MYS Confirms Readiness and Funding Disbursement
Speaking to the FrontPage Africa Sports Desk, Deputy Sports Minister G. Andy Quamie confirmed the Ministry’s readiness and provided updates on financing and logistics.
“The Ministry is ready for the 2025/2026 edition of the National County Sports Meet,” Minister Quamie stated, adding that he was currently in Gbarpolu preparing Bopolu City, which is expected to be ready for its hosting duties.
According to Quamie, the Ministry of Finance has already disbursed US$250,000 as initial support, with an additional US$150,000 expected in early January 2026.
“The Finance Ministry has provided $250,000 initially and promised that the balance of $150,000 will be available in January,” he explained.
County teams, he added, have also begun receiving funds for their preparations.
“Yes, the counties started to receive $10,000 initially. The balance will be made available as soon as the Finance Ministry provides the remaining amount in January,” he confirmed.
Only Three Sports to Feature
Minister Quamie reaffirmed the decision to scale the event down to three key sports to ensure quality, proper budget allocation, and a more competitive tournament structure Football,Kickball,Basketball
“Only three disciplines will feature in the month-long tournament: Kickball, Football, and Basketball,” he emphasized.
He disclosed that the grand finale of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. Thousands are expected to attend as defending champions Lofa County attempt to secure back-to-back titles.
APM Terminals Supplies Equipment
Addressing concerns about team kits and equipment, Minister Quamie confirmed the tournament’s logistics are secured through sponsorship.
“APM Terminals has ordered the jerseys, trophies, balls, and medals for the tournament as part of their sponsorship,” he confirmed.
The Ministry is expected to announce the tournament’s official headline sponsor next week, just before kickoff.
A Look Back: Lofa’s 2025 Championship Triumph
The echoes of last year’s thrilling final still resonate nationwide. In the 2024/2025 football final at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex, Lofa County defeated Grand Gedeh 2–1 to clinch their second title. Two first-half goals from Emmanuel Flomo and Francis Doe secured the victory.
The turning point of the match was a brilliant save by Lofa goalkeeper Junior Yeanaye, who blocked a missed penalty from Grand Gedeh’s Daniel Maoh.
Football Bronze: Margibi County defeated Maryland 3–1.
Kickball Champions: Grand Bassa County dominated the final, defeating Grand Kru 5–1.
Kickball Bronze: Bong County secured third place with a 4–0 victory over Grand Gedeh.
Groups and Host Cities (Kickoff: December 14, 2025)
The tournament will be staged across four major host venues, with the main group stage action beginning one day after the official opening ceremony on December 14.
GroupHost CityHost CountyTeamsAHarper CityMarylandMaryland, River Gee, Grand Kru, RivercessBGanta CityNimbaNimba, Bomi, Sinoe, MargibiCBuchanan CityGrand BassaGrand Bassa, Lofa (Defending Champions), Grand Gedeh, Cape MountDBopolu CityGbarpoluGbarpolu, Bong, Montserrado
Group C is already being dubbed the “Group of Revenge,” with Grand Gedeh seeking payback against Lofa for last season’s final defeat. Group D promises heavyweight clashes as Montserrado and Bong bring strong squads.
Group A – Harper City, Maryland County
Maryland (Host),River Gee, Grand Kru,Rivercess
Group B – Nimba County
Nimba (Host), Bomi, Sinoe and Margibi
Group C – Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County
Grand Bassa (Host), Lofa (Defending Champions), Grand Gedeh and Cape Mount
Group D – Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County
Gbarpolu (Host), Bong and Montserrado
A Festival of Unity
Beyond sports, the National County Meet remains Liberia’s largest cultural convergence, blending athletic passion with music, dance, tradition, and national pride. The theme, “Inclusive Development Through Sports,” will be the focal point of community outreach and youth engagement programs across all host counties.
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