MONRPOVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s visit to football legend Josiah Nils Johnson carried meaning beyond a ceremonial presidential courtesy. It placed a forgotten national servant before the country and acknowledged the hardship facing Liberia’s retired sporting heroes. Johnson represented Liberia as a midfielder from 1958 to 1971 and later coached the Lone Star to regional glory. Yet recognition and adequate support have remained painfully limited. Boakai’s intervention conveyed empathy where official gratitude had long appeared distant. The contrast with former President George Weah was unavoidable. Despite his celebrated football background, Weah never publicly recognized Johnson while holding office. The visit showed how presidential attention, however belated, can restore dignity and awaken national responsibility. The Analyst reports.
BARNERSVILLE, GARDNERSVILLE TOWNSHIP — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to former Lone Star player and head coach Josiah Nils Johnson, affectionately known as “JNJ,” in recognition of his contributions to Liberian football. The President used the visit to honor the veteran sportsman and acknowledge the sacrifices made by former national athletes without adequate compensation.
“I admire the people who have contributed to the development of sports in Liberia. That is why I am here today to recognize and give back to those who have made contributions to the Liberian sporting community,” President Boakai remarked.
The President stated that although he was never an athlete, his respect for sports and his interest in developing Liberia’s next generation of athletes prompted the visit. His appearance at Johnson’s residence offered the aging football legend a rare moment of presidential recognition after decades of national service.
Recognition Weah Never Publicly Extended
President Boakai’s visit carried added political and sporting significance because former President George Manneh Weah, Liberia’s most celebrated footballer, did not publicly extend similar recognition to Johnson during his presidency. Boakai therefore provided an act of empathy and national appreciation that Weah, despite his unmatched football credentials, was unable to provide while occupying the Executive Mansion.
The visit also drew attention to the wider conditions facing former Lone Star players and coaches who represented Liberia during difficult periods but received little financial reward. Many of those veterans now confront personal and economic hardships without sufficient institutional support.
President Boakai acknowledged that the demands of work and other responsibilities prevented him from pursuing sports during his childhood. He nevertheless stressed that his inability to participate personally did not diminish his admiration for athletes or their contributions to Liberia.
“I never lived a childhood life devoted to sports owing to the fact that all my life has been saddled with my work and other responsibilities imposed on me by circumstances,” the Liberian leader explained.
Boakai noted that although he loved sports, he never had the opportunity to play competitively. He invoked an old adage to underline the importance of remembering those whose sacrifices helped shape Liberia’s past.
“If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future,” the President stated.
Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Liberia, President Boakai praised Johnson for his invaluable contribution to the country. He assured the former midfielder and coach that Liberia had not forgotten his years of service.
“We have not forgotten you. The country has not forgotten. We remember your invaluable contributions to this country that you gave without adequate compensation. We appreciate you,” Boakai noted.
President Promises Immediate Assistance
During the visit, President Boakai made a personal contribution toward Johnson’s welfare and promised to help address some of the pressing challenges confronting the legendary sportsman. The Executive Mansion did not disclose the amount of the contribution or provide details about the assistance promised.
Johnson played as a midfielder for the Liberian national team from 1958 to 1971. He later served as head coach of the Lone Star from 1971 to 1979 and guided Liberia to victory in the Six Nations Tournament over Ghana’s Black Stars.
The former national team coach thanked President Boakai for visiting him and praised what he described as the President’s exemplary leadership. He said the visit would remain an important part of his family’s history.
“Here your flower is given you. My entire family is appreciative of your visit and your leadership. We are grateful for this visit and it’s going to be remembered throughout my family history,” Johnson declared.
Johnson also praised the government’s road-development initiatives in southeastern Liberia. He maintained that improving road connections had significantly reduced travel difficulties between the southeastern counties and Monrovia.
“I am also happy because of the road connections ongoing in my home and other parts of the Southeast. People can now leave from Maryland and pass through Sinoe and then to Grand Bassa, onward to Monrovia in about a day. We are grateful,” Johnson stated.
Retired Players Seek Greater Support
The Boakai administration, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, initiated a token sponsorship program for former Lone Star players during the tenure of then-Minister Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu. The beneficiaries receive support under the Former Lone Star Players Association.
Former Lone Star defender Washington Blay, chairman of the association, disclosed that the group receives subsidies through the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ budget. He expressed hope that the government would increase the amount because many retired national team players continue to face serious personal and economic difficulties.
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