PAYNESVILLE — Prime FM Sports Editor Michael Nasri Solomon was named Sports Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) Awards, capturing the night's highest honor before a gathering of athletes, administrators and federation officials in Paynesville.
The ceremony, held at the boardroom of the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex, brought together stakeholders from across Liberia's sporting community.
Solomon earned the recognition for his reporting on the challenges facing sports development in Liberia, including inadequate infrastructure, policy shortcomings and the need for greater investment in the sector. Since beginning his career at Prime FM in 2016, he has established himself as one of the country's leading sports journalists, known for his investigative work and his focus on grassroots stories.
Another highlight of the evening was the crowning of Sudan-based Liberian teenage striker Emmanuel Flomo as SWAL Footballer of the Year. The 18-year-old forward received the award following a remarkable debut campaign with Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal, helping the club secure the Rwanda Premier League and Sudan Elite Championship titles. He finished as Al Hilal's leading scorer with 15 goals in all competitions and was named Most Valuable Player of the Sudan Elite Championship, cementing his status as Liberia's standout international footballer of the season.
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In basketball, LPRC Oilers star Fedolph Marshall won the Most Valuable Player Award after guiding his club to the 2025 Liberia Basketball Association First Division Championship. His coach, Varflay Corneh, was named Best Basketball Coach, while Korpo Sumo took the Women's Best Basketball Player Award.
In chess, Georgina Sackie claimed the Women's Best Chess Player Award for the second straight year. The reigning Liberia Chess Federation women's national champion has won three consecutive national titles from 2023 to 2025 and holds the title of Woman Candidate Master. David Leroy Debblay was named Men's Best Chess Player.
Malek V. Al Sherif received the Best Scrabble Player of the Year Award. Sherif made history as the first Liberian to compete at the World Scrabble Championship and has also represented Liberia at the African Games. He was runner-up in both the 2024 and 2025 National Championships and has played a key role in rebranding the game in Liberia.
In kickball, Joan Smith of Royal Sisters Kickball Club won the Most Valuable Player Award, Anna Sanoe of Destiny Kickball Club was named Best Pitcher, and Jessica Togbah of ASK Sisters Kickball Club received the Highest Home Run Award.
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Special recognition awards were also presented. Asad Fadel was honored as Chief Sports Patron of the Year, while the National Port Authority received the Sponsor of the Year Award for its continued support of the event. In the media categories, Morris Vincent of The New Newspaper won Print Journalist of the Year, and Peter Bishop of the Daily Observer received the Emerging Sports Journalist of the Year Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Awards Committee Chairman Daniel Nyankonah said the committee received 12 applications across eight categories, but only three categories met the established standards for award consideration after assessment. He encouraged SWAL leadership to release the award criteria at least one month before the application period opens to give applicants adequate time to understand the requirements.
SWAL President Varmah Kamara, in his welcome remarks, underscored the role of sports journalists in national development.
"As sports journalists, we carry the responsibility of informing, educating and inspiring the public through accurate, balanced and professional reporting," Kamara said. "Our commitment to excellence continues to strengthen the growth and credibility of sports in Liberia and beyond."
He also thanked SWAL partners, sponsors and supporters for their continued investment in sports journalism and the wider sporting sector. The annual awards celebrate excellence in sports and sports journalism, honoring individuals and institutions whose contributions advance the development of Liberian sports.
