By Macpherson C. Marbiah
Liberia’s leading GSM company, Orange Liberia, has officially launched, and unveiled the country first ever ‘EA Sports FC 26 Tournament.’
The launch is one means of driving the pathway for digital inclusion across the country.
It aims at providing the platform for young and talented Liberians to come together to showcase their respective abilities.
The event is more than just a competition, as it is a platform where passion meets talents, and where gamers showcase their game, and reveries are form in the spirit of fair play, respectful and friendly manner.
The initiative, which is being sponsored, and organized by Orange Liberia in collaboration with its local partner, EEC-House, as well as Stella Maris Polytechnic University, is expected to be hosted annually.
Orange Liberia Digital Skills and Coaching School Association Director, Shallom Nelson, said the tournament shows the Company’s strong commitment to innovation, youth engagement, and digital empowerment.
Nelson said through the launched of the event, Orange Liberia continued to drive digital progress, and create a new opportunity for young people to rely on.
The tournament, he said, is more than just a competition, as it is about passion, opportunity, and growth and Orange Liberia is to lead this journey to empower young people technology and gaming.
Nelson said the Company received a total of 794 applications expressing the growing interest and talents of young people in EA Sports across the country.
“The tournament is divided into three main parts that include the group stage, playoff and the final. We have the prelude knockout wherein 226 players will be selected and compete in a two days competition,” he said.
Mr. Nelson said players will be placed into groups, and play in knockout matches until 32 of the best players are streamline.
The 32 players will move on to the round of 16, and they will compete in a home, and away matches, as the total scores from those games will decide the advantages to the quarterfinal.
“The quarterfinals and semifinals, both stages will use a home and away format, giving players the fair chance to show their skills, and the scores from both matches decides, who move on to the next stage.
The last two players will face-off in the best of three showdowns, and the first to win two games will become the Orange EA Sports FC 26 Champion.”
Orange Liberia Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jean Marius Yao, declared the tournament officially launched on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Monrovia.
Yao said the Company is “excited to officially launch Liberia’s first ever digital gaming tournament.”
He said the initiative is in line with Orange Liberia vision for the country, as they position themselves as partner for Liberia development through digital, financial, energy and social inclusion, while respecting the environment in an ethical manner.
“Everything that we do is in line with this vision for Liberia. We have great initiatives that include the Orange Digital Center that is empowering the young people, who are the future of the country through digital skills training. At this Center, we are providing education, technology, training that the youth needs for the development,” he said.
He said it is also important to have the entertaining part of everything, and the launch of the EA Sports initiative is another milestone that is in line with the company previous vision for the youth.
“For the very first time in Liberia, we are offering the very best EA Sports FC 26, and this is the place where everything can happen. I hope that event will be very successful, and this first edition will be a great test for everyone,” he said.
Youth and Sports Deputy Minister for Sports, G. Andy Quamie, commended Orange Liberia for the initiative, which he said, will help to impact the lives of young people, who are greatly into technology, while encouraging them to also work with Liberia only recognized Gaming Federation.
The launching ceremony was graced by Executives of Orange, officials of government, officials from Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Liberian Musicians, and Facebook Influencers.