Monrovia, Liberia – Aletha Massaquoi, the Acting Women’s Football Manager of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), has formally begun a high-profile, three-week professional exchange in the United States, which is a huge boost for Liberian sports diplomacy.
Massaquoi’s involvement in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) comes after the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia selected her for a coveted scholarship, which initially surfaced during a radio appearance on OK FM.
The multi-regional project, titled “Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity,” runs from February 28 through March 21, 2026. This U.S. Department of State initiative, implemented by the Meridian International Center, brings together global experts to dissect the mechanics of world-class spectacles like the Olympics, Paralympics, and the FIFA World Cup.
The purpose of the exchange is to give participants a thorough understanding of sustainability, urban readiness, and economic drivers. Massaquoi is presently in Washington, D.C., for the program’s first leg after leaving Liberia last week.
In order to engage with important players in sports management and urban planning, she will be traveling to a number of different U.S. states. Intensive discussions on strategic leadership and the influence of sports on national development began off the program.
Massaquoi thanked the U.S. Embassy for the chance while speaking over the phone from Washington, D.C. She said the training will “enlighten her mind” and open doors for future growth in the women’s department of the LFA.
“This participation serves as a gateway for the Liberian football house and the U.S. Embassy to collaborate in the near future,” Massaquoi stated, describing the exchange as a milestone opportunity.
Beyond the economic focus, Massaquoi’s selection marks a major achievement for the LFA. By observing American best practices in sports administration, she aims to translate these global insights into a sustainable roadmap for the growth of women’s football back home.
The U.S. Embassy has encouraged the documentation of her journey, signaling a partnership aimed at equipping Massaquoi with the tools to transform Liberia’s sporting landscape.
Reported by: Albert M. Fania
