The annual and biggest sporting festivity, the National County Sports Meet has ended in a fascinating style with Nimba County walking away with the giant size trophy.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Internal Affairs, the 2021/2022 edition was held under the theme; Celebrating 200 years of togetherness through sports.
As obvious, the league was initially characterized by dissatisfactions , mix-feelings , hard and bad feelings, protests , mini disruptions, unsportsmanlike behavior, fines among others but with the mature and experienced team of experts at the Ministry of Youth and Sports led by Minister D.Zeogar Wilson, workaholic Deputy Minister of Sports, G. Andy Quamie among others , the tournament successfully accomplished its desire objectives.
The Samuel Kanyan Doe Sports Complex through the spectators were decorated with Red , White, Blue , Yellow and Green colors respectfully as the energized fans refreshed the old day memories of the SKD with cheers as well as jubilations, tears and sorrows were all part of the successful package to climax the annual event.
Very thirsty and curious to get a semblance of this year’s champions in the football category, the jubilant fans waited for only few minutes into the first half to get the benefits from their cheering when Arthur Mark fantastic cross strategically collected skipper Isaac Daywhea to get the deserving first goal of the match as the fans especially Nimbians go crazy into celebrations for goal number one of the match.
However, Nimbians lead and celebrations did not last longer when spirited Gbarpolu team level from a set piece to do justice to the sons and daughters of the County dressed in their Yellow and green as cheers were their only options.
As the game level, mid way into the first half, the two teams looked a bit exhausted but not the fans who kept on cheering just to get more goals and their chanting for goals paid off when an elementary mistake from an impressive Gbarpolu defense saw them punished with a fast right footed strike from Nimba County’s roving winger which saw them double the score line and regain their lead and advantage as first half ended in favor of the final’s favorite, Nimba .
For some reasons down the way, Gbarpolu had their goalkeeper substituted, introduced more fresh legs just to get back at level but their technical staff tactics were fruitless only because they failed to get the keys to open the solidified defense of Nimba who worked very hard to maintain their one goal advantage.
Arguably the second half was more physical then the first half with no goals to play for as the both fans turned to their respective creators to come and rescue them but it was the final whistle from the center referee who decided the faith of both teams after the first half score line was enough to see Nimba crown champions of the 2021/2022 edition of the National County Sports Meet there by adding another title to their already existing ones.
Final score , Nimba two , Gbarpolu one.
Elsewhere, Margibi won the third place in football when she defeated Grand Bassa two goals to zero, a revenge score line and fixture in the group stage.
While Lofa got her first kickball championship following her competitive and narrow two home runs to one over experienced Rivercess County side while Grand Gedeh over powered Maryland 3-2 home runs to collect the third place in the kickball category.
Grand Kru monopolized the volleyball and basketball versions when she collected both championships in said categories while Bong, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe and Nimba Counties were all outstanding in the athletic category , wining goal and silver medals respectively to rap up the annual tournament in a fantastic style .
Meanwhile the 2022/2023 edition will kick off in December in the Port City of Buchanan as preparations leading to said campaign according to Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson will begin soon.
Maryland, Lofa and Bong are the reminding three hosts to join Grand Bassa for the next edition.