The Liberia Football Association (LFA) extends its deepest condolences to Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) following the death of nine young footballers.

They died in a road accident just outside Makeni, northern Sierra Leone on 28 February. 

According to SLFA regional chairman Brima Jalloh, they were returning home in the night from neighboring Karena District where they had taken part in a football gala. 

They were between 17 and 25 years. Jalloh said 20 persons are in "critical condition". 

SLFA regional public relations officer Mohamed Papa Bangura said the bus the players were travelling in had a head-on collision with a truck carrying tuber crops to Freetown.

“On behalf of the LFA, I join the footballing world to extend our deepest condolence to the SLFA and its regional body for the irreparable loss in such a manner and form.

“Their death painfully reminds me of eight young footballers of Africa Vision Soccer Academy, who died in a similar road accident in Ghana last September. It is hard time we ensure and enforce safety measures on and off the pitch.

“May God grant those who have died eternal rest and console the bereaved families. Finally, I wish those in critical condition speedy recoveries,” said President Mustapha Raji.