President Boakai honors former soccer coach Josiah Nils Johnson

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. paid a courtesy visit to Josiah Nils Johnson, a former midfielder and head coach of the national soccer team, the Lone Star. The visit was intended to formally recognize Johnson’s significant contributions to the development of sports in Liberia.

Johnson represented the national team as a midfielder from 1958 to 1971 and served as head coach from 1971 to 1979. During his coaching tenure, he led Liberia to a victory over Ghana’s Black Stars in the Six Nations Tournament. President Boakai acknowledged that Johnson provided these services at a time when compensation was minimal, stating, “The country has not forgotten you.”

During the meeting, the President made a personal financial contribution toward Johnson’s well-being and committed to addressing challenges facing the former sports icon. Boakai emphasized the importance of honoring sporting pioneers to help prepare the nation for the future of athletics.