Paynesville, Liberia — Nimba and Margibi counties emerged as champions of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet following thrilling grand final encounters at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Stadium in Paynesville on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Nimba County, representing northern Liberia, captured the football title after defeating five times winner Grand Kru County of the southern region in a highly anticipated grand final. The match drew an estimated crowd of over 50,000 fans, who filled the stadium with color and passion as they cheered for their respective counties.
The National County Sports Meet, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was held under the theme “Inclusive Development Through Sports.” The tournament once again showcased unity, talent, and national pride through competitive sports.
In the football third-place playoff, Grand Cape Mount County claimed the bronze medal after defeating Margibi County’s male team. Margibi had entered the tournament as one of the favorites but fell short of expectations, exiting the competition without a medal in football.
However, Margibi County found redemption in the kickball category. The Margibi female team was crowned kickball champions after edging Grand Cape Mount County in a tense and exciting final. Regulation time ended in a 1–1 draw, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Margibi held their composure from the spot to secure victory and the gold medal.
The triumph capped an impressive campaign for the Margibi girls, whose resilience and determination stood out throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Nimba County also added to their medal haul by securing the bronze medal in the kickball category, defeating Grand Kru County to finish third.
The successful conclusion of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet reaffirmed the competition’s role in promoting national cohesion and youth development through sports across Liberia.
