National Sports Authority

National Olympic Committee Pays Courtesy Call on New NSA Executive Director

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sierra Leone, led by its President Prince Suallay on Tuesday 12th May 2026 paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq.

Declaring the purpose of the visit, NSA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdulai Rahman Swaray who chaired the meeting stated that the NOC’s presence was to formally congratulate Mr. Conteh and pledge their institutional support to the Authority collaboration to develop sport in the country.

President Prince Suallay congratulated Mr. Conteh on his appointment and expressed the NOC’s appreciation for his elevation at a crucial time, as the Committee prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Your appointment is timely and meaningful to the NOC. Your humility towards all, regardless of status, is commendable,” he said. “My team and I remain optimistic about our future working relationship and collaboration. The NOC and NSA will work together seamlessly to develop sports in Sierra Leone.

“We stand ready to accord the new Executive Director all the facilities and privileges his office deserves as we approach the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.” the President said.

Mr. Suallay also used the meeting to applauded the entire NSA team for their continued commitment, dedication, and professionalism in their respective roles.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NOC, Mr. Ahmed Kanu, who was led the enactment of the NSA Act in 2017 joined his Boss in congratulating the new NSA Chief. He also briefly highlighted the NOC’s 2026 calendar of activities, which includes the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

In his response, NSA Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh welcomed the NOC delegation and thanked Mr. Suallay and the wider Commonwealth Games family for the respect shown to him.

“We must work together and support President Bio’s Big Five Game Changer, especially the agenda on sports. “It is no coincidence that the NOC is the first institution to pay me a courtesy call," he said

“My mandate is to maintain peace within the sporting ecosystem. This is only achievable when we respect one another. We may disagree, but we must always find common ground for the greater good. Misunderstandings and conflicts are inevitable in any society, but they can and should be managed amicably.”

“The NOC President is a member of the NSA Board, and the Board provides directives to the Authority. So, we are going to work together. I am neither too big nor too small to be corrected. I therefore submit myself to you and to all Board members for strategic guidance and direction. There is no time to waste — we must hit the ground running.”

NSA Executive Director Pledges Decorum and Transparency in Sports Sector

The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq. has pledged to uphold discipline and professionalism in the sports sector as mandated by His Excellency Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

“I am instructed to maintain decorum in the sporting sector,” Mr. Conteh stated during the official handing-over ceremony at the NSA’s New Signal Hill Road Office. “To achieve this, I need teamwork and collaboration from everyone.”

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, to Lawyer Conteh.

The new NSA Boss used the ceremony to express his gratitude to President Bio and his Government for entrusting him with the NSA’s mandate. He also commended his predecessor, describing Dr. Abdulai’s tenure as laying a “solid foundation upon which we will continue to build.

“Sports is more than competition. It unites people across regions, tribes, religions, and generations. It inspires hope, discipline, teamwork, and national pride. In every stadium, community field, school competition, and international tournament, we see the power of sports to transform lives and strengthen our nation,” he said.

“As I assume this office, I do so with a clear vision: to promote transparency, professionalism, inclusiveness, and excellence in the administration of sports. Together, we will work tirelessly to create opportunities for our athletes, empower our youth, improve sporting infrastructure, and elevate our nation’s presence on the regional and global stage.”

“This journey cannot be accomplished by one person alone. Success will require unity, accountability, innovation, and collective effort. My doors will remain open to constructive ideas, dialogue, and partnerships that advance the interests of sports and national development.”

“I see my appointment as a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. I therefore pledge to serve the sports sector with fairness, dedication, and unwavering passion for our beloved nation.”

Barrister Conteh called on all stakeholders to move forward together with confidence and purpose to nurture talent, inspire dreams, and build a sporting culture that every Sierra Leonean can be proud of.

In his remarks before presenting the official handing-over notes, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai congratulated the new Executive Director and pledged his full support should any clarification be needed on his report. He acknowledged that while the sports sector faced growing challenges during his tenure, significant milestones were achieved, including:
- Drafting of key regulatory frameworks
- Improvements in staff welfare and administrative processes
- Enhanced transparency and accountability
- Recruitment and staff promotions
- Increased funding for sporting competitions
- Advancement of sports infrastructure development

Presiding over the ceremony, the Board Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, described the occasion as historic, calling it “one brother handing over power to another brother.”

“Today’s ceremony lays a solid foundation for the continued development of sports in our country,” he stated.

Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, also congratulated the new NSA Executive Director and assured him of the Ministry’s full support. She described the ceremony as a special moment for sports and thanked Dr. Abdulai for his comprehensive handing-over notes.

“No position is permanent, and as leaders we must administer with patience and humility. The NSA was born out of the Ministry, so we cannot be at odds with our own agency. We are one sector, and I appeal for continued collaboration for the development of sports,” she said.

“The new Executive Director spoke eloquently, and I commend his commitment to accountability and respect.

NSA Sympathizes with the Conteh Family on the Passing of Madam Victoria Conteh

The Board, Management, and Staff of the National Sports Authority extend their deepest condolences to the Conteh family and the entire football community on the passing of *Madam Victoria Conteh*, former Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Senior National Female Football Team (Sierra Queens).

Madam Conteh made history as the first Sierra Leonean female coach who led a team in the country’s male Premier League. Her remarkable tenure with Eastern Tigers Football Club set a precedent for women’s inclusion in football and demonstrated the vital role women can play in the sport’s growth in Sierra Leone.

As the football community mourns this significant loss, the NSA will continue to honor Madam Victoria’s legacy and her invaluable contributions to the development of football in Sierra Leone.

May her soul rest in peace.

*NSA Congratulates New Executive Director*

The Board, Management, and Staff of the National Sports Authority extend their warmest congratulations to *Mr. Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq.* on his appointment by His Excellency Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio as the new Executive Director of the Authority.

Mr. Conteh’s appointment reflects the NSA’s continues commitment to strengthening leadership, transparency, and accountability within the country’s sports sector.

As an institution, we remain fully committed to supporting the vision of the New Chief of the agency for advancing sports development across Sierra Leone and fostering participation and promoting sporting excellence at all levels.

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Presents Cash Prizes to Winners of National Canon Competition

The National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Canon Association, Donald Kalokoh, has disclosed that preparations for the Independence Day Canon Competition began four months ago, with visits to various communities including Bonthe.

Kalokoh said the association initially shortlisted 16 communities for the competition but, due to logistical challenges, the final competition featured seven communities across four different race categories.

Following the judges’ calculations and compilation of results, he went on, Bonthe Community emerged as overall champion, with Black Johnson and Mama Beach communities placing second and third positions respectively.

Presenting the cash prizes to the winners, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai commended the Canon Association for showcasing local talent and organizing the competition independently.

“I commend the Canon Association for organizing this competition without relying on government funding. Canon is now being practiced in different communities across the country, and it is engaging young people in a positive way,” Dr. Abdulai said.

He also appealed for fairness and inclusivity within the association. “Listening to everyone creates room for diverse opinions, and that is what will help the sport grow further,” he added.

Director of Participation Steven Keifala said that the Canon association was registered immediately after the appointment of Dr. Abdulai to lead the agency. "The association, he said is his direct baby of Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and the Authority feels fulfilled for this accomplishment.

This year’s event marks the first time the Canon Association has organized a national championship, now recognized as a national event.

*Kabaddi Association Presents Delegation to NSA Following Successful India Tour*

The Technical Director and Chairman of the Sierra Leone Kabaddi Association, Sonny Johnson, has presented his delegation to the National Sports Authority following their successful participation in the 57th International Club Kabaddi Championship 2026 organised by the Avtar Singh Bal Memorial Sport Club in Bholath, Punjab, India.

Johnson said the Association has been representing Sierra Leone in various international competitions, including the recent event in India, which was organised by Avtar Memorial Sport Club with a *$16,000 star prize*. “Because of our performance in India, the organizers have extended further opportunities to the Sierra Leone Kabaddi Association, including an invitation to the World Cup tournament in November this year,” he stated.

Director of Participation Steven Keifala confirmed that the Sierra Leone Kabaddi Association is duly registered with the NSA and has consistently taken part in all organized activities of the Authority. He commended the leadership and athletes for complying with the NSA’s governance structure and requirements.

Deputy Executive Director of the NSA, Dr. Abdulai Rahman Swaray, expressed the Authority’s appreciation for the Association’s role in positively representing Sierra Leone abroad. “I have been watching Kabaddi on the internet, but seeing your live demonstration on International Day of Sports gave me a clearer understanding of how the game is played,” Dr. Swaray said. “Although Kabaddi originated in India, the Sierra Leone Kabaddi Association has risen to the occasion and taken it beyond our borders.”

*Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Presents Two-Year Achievements to the Press*

The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, presented his two-year achievements in office to the nation through a well-attended press conference held on Monday, 20th April 2026 at the Authority's Headquarters in Freetown.

Addressing journalists, Dr. Abdulai expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his appointment to lead the country’s only statutory sports agency. He recalled assuming office with a seven-pillar agenda covering transparency and accountability, infrastructural development, capacity building, and the devolution of sports, among others.

“Two years on, with the support of my staff, we have reformed the entire administration of the NSA,” Dr. Abdulai told newsmen. He cited realigned staffing for efficiency and service delivery, recruitment and promotion of deserving personnel, deployment of staff to local councils to drive sporting activities nationwide, introdued an open door policy and team work, drafted five sports regulations and policies, capacity building through various managerial and development programmes at national and international, increased financial support to NSOs among others.

On infrastructural development, his PowerPoint presentation showcased evidence of ongoing projects, including the Tihun Artificial Turf and the almost completed Kailahun Artificial Turf. “In just two years, I have delivered four artificial turfs, and by the end of the year, the number will increase,” he stated. He added that the latest addition, *Kono, which is being facilitated through the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio*".

He also cited the Hill Station Tennis Court renovation which the NSA supported, and is now attracting people people within the Hill Station Community to playing Tennis.

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Attends 2026 Tour d' Lunsar Cycling Festival

A senior management team from the National Sports Authority, led by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, graced the Tour d’ Lunsar Cycling 2026 on Sunday, 19th April 2026. The event is an annual cycling festival held in Lunsar.

Speaking as special guest, Dr. Abdulai expressed appreciation to Abdul Karim, fondly known as _Stylish_, the Chief Organiser and Founder of Tour d’ Lunsar. He described the annual cycling festival as an advanced model of sports development that aligns with the vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

Dr. Abdulai pledged the NSA’s continued commitment and support for the cycling festival, noting that the Authority remains guided by its statutory mandate to develop, promote, and regulate sports across Sierra Leone. He said Tour d’ Lunsar serves as a practical demonstration of sports development in the country.

Accompanying Dr. Abdulai were Directors Steven Keifala, Lamin Sesay, Alie Sesay, and John Emmanuel Ngegba, alongside his wife, Mrs. Sadiatu Abdulai.

The National Sports Authority (NSA) extends heartfelt congratulations to Sierra Leone’s Under-17 Female Football Team for their remarkable 2-1 victory over host nation Ivory Coast in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The NSA commends the players for their resilience, discipline, and national pride displayed on the pitch. This victory marks a significant milestone in the growth of women’s football in Sierra Leone.

The Authority further congratulates the technical team, officials of the team and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for their collective effort in achieving this historic result.

The NSA reaffirms its commitment to supporting national female league, through which female football talents are now emerging.