By Jerromie S. Walters and Kebeh Sammie
Paynesville, Liberia – The highly anticipated grand final of the National County Sports Meet 2024-25, held on Sunday, January 2, 2025, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, took a distressing turn as overcrowding at the stadium led to several spectators fainting. The incident occurred during the championship match between Lofa and Grand Gedeh counties, which drew an overwhelming crowd, far exceeding the stadium’s capacity.
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 and 2025 County Meet, Lofa County secured a hard-fought victory over Grand Gedeh County in an entertaining football match that ended 2-1. The match, held at the renowned SKD Sports Stadium, showcased the vibrant spirit of county competition and drew a passionate crowd eager to witness the showdown between the two counties.
Lofa County, known for its resilient athletes and strategic gameplay, dominated throughout the match, taking an early lead that set the tone for the contest. Grand Gedeh County fought valiantly, demonstrating their skill and determination, but ultimately fell short in their quest for victory. The match was marked by several exciting moments, as both teams displayed impressive tactics and athleticism, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
In addition to their success on the football field, Lofa County also emerged as champions in basketball, further solidifying their dominance in this year’s county meet. The Wologizi Boys, as the Lofa basketball team is affectionately known, delivered an exhilarating performance against the Putu Boys, showcasing their skill and teamwork to secure victory in yet another high-stakes match.
The dual victories in both football and basketball not only highlight Lofa County’s athletic prowess but also reflect the dedication and hard work of its athletes and coaching staff. The success at the county meet is expected to boost morale and inspire further development of sports in the region.
As the dust settles on this year’s county meet, the excitement and anticipation for next year’s events are already building. With Lofa County setting a high bar for competition, other counties will undoubtedly be gearing up to challenge their reign in the upcoming season. For now, Lofa County can bask in the glory of its achievements, celebrating both its football and basketball victories as a testament to its sporting spirit and community pride.
Over four individuals collapsed due to the intense heat, lack of ventilation, and overcrowded conditions within the stadium. Medical practitioners were seen rushing to the aid of the affected spectators, some of whom were carried unconscious out of the stadium. Ambulances and other emergency methods were deployed to transport the victims to nearby medical facilities for treatment. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the situation caused panic and disrupted the event temporarily.
The Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium, inaugurated in 1986, has a seating capacity of 35,000. However, it is believed that the number of attendees far exceeded this limit, as fans from across the country flocked to witness the grand final. The National County Sports Meet, organized annually by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is a flagship event aimed at unifying Liberians through sports. This year’s tournament featured participation from all fifteen counties of Liberia, competing in football, kickball, and basketball.
The grand final between Lofa and Grand Gedeh counties was a highly charged event, with both teams vying for the championship title. The excitement and passion of the fans, combined with poor crowd management, contributed to the chaotic scene. Many spectators expressed frustration over the lack of adequate seating and the failure to enforce safety measures, such as limiting ticket sales to prevent overcrowding.
This incident has flared a broader conversation about the need for improved infrastructure and safety protocols at major public events in Liberia. Sports lovers have called for upgrades to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex and stricter enforcement of capacity limits to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.
They say the National County Sports Meet, while a symbol of national unity and pride, must also prioritize the safety of its participants and spectators to maintain its cherished place in Liberian culture.
