FIFA experts opened a training workshop this week in Mbankomo, near Yaoundé, aimed at professional football clubs in Cameroon. Samuel Eto’o Fils, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), hopes the three-day workshop will facilitate the full professionalization of clubs in the MTN Elite One, MTN Elite Two, and Guinness Super League championships, a key objective he set upon assuming leadership of the federation in December 2021.

“For just over three years, we have been striving to professionalize our football,” Eto’o said before opening the workshop. He emphasized that professionalization is not arbitrary but essential. Addressing club officials in Mbankomo, he stated, “Football is, above all, a business. This is the transition I am leading you through.”

Professionalization is a cornerstone of Eto’o’s Fecafoot leadership program. It is the second major priority of his term, which includes plans to attract fans back to stadiums, develop talent, and improve player wages.

While Eto’o has seen success in increasing stadium attendance and implementing effective match scheduling, challenges remain, such as ensuring regular player salaries and improving the financial stability of professional clubs. He hopes the FIFA-led workshop will address these issues.

This is not FIFA’s first such initiative in Africa. The global football governing body has established a program to support African clubs in their professionalization efforts. This program, now available to Cameroonian clubs, aims to enhance their governance, marketing, and commercial operations.

“We must move beyond solely discussing federation sponsors and merchandise. We need to sell our football, as that is where the real revenue lies,” Eto’o told the Cameroonian club officials.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Cameroon is set to host Libya in Yaoundé today as part of the sixth round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a scoreless draw against Eswatini in their previous match, the Indomitable Lions have fallen from the top spot in Group D, which is now held by Cape Verde. Another setback could significantly jeopardize their chances of qualification, especially if Cape Verde manages a victory in Angola.

During the pre-match press conference on the evening of March 24, goalkeeper André Onana acknowledged the team’s challenging situation, even describing it as a “crisis.” Nevertheless, the Manchester United shot-stopper emphasized that the squad’s morale remains high just hours before the clash with Libya. “The team is doing well, we’re calm,” Onana stated. “We’re going into this match with a lot of composure.”

Head coach Marc Brys echoed this sentiment. “It’s a good team,” the Belgian said concisely, referring to his players. While he admitted that the draw against Eswatini—considered the group’s underdog—was a “catastrophic” result, Brys remains optimistic. He noted that, unlike their last outing, the team has had more time for training and recovery. Onana and Brys also commended the integration of newcomers Danny Namaso and Nathan Ngoumou Minpole into the squad.

“For us, it’s important to win,” Brys conceded. He stopped short of labeling it a difficult match, but the standings suggest otherwise: this is a crucial moment for the Lions. According to the qualification rules, only the winner of each of the nine groups will automatically secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Cameroon, currently trailing Cape Verde by a single point, must overcome the deficit and surpass both Libya and Angola to maintain their World Cup aspirations.

Source: Business in Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions will fly out of Yaoundé on Tuesday (today) on a chartered flight to South Africa, following Wednesday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifying tie against the Eswatini.

Marc Brys’s side are making the trip after the Belgian opted to sideline his Cameroonian assistant Joachim Mununga, marking a significant shift from a Cameroon football tradition.

Brys reportedly described his deputy as incompetent and announced that he was no longer interested in working with Mununga.

The Indomitable Lions situation is worsening and prompting calls for change in the Cameroon Football Federation and government officials attached to the team.

By Rita Akana

A critical situation is unfolding in Cameroonian football as the Cameroon Association of Football Referees (ACAF) issues an urgent appeal to the Minister of State and Secretary General of the Presidency. The referees, who are vital to ensuring fairness on the pitch, are threatening to suspend their participation in all competitions under the aegis of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) if their payments remain outstanding.

In a letter dated March 10, 2025, ACAF representatives reveal a troubling and alarming reality: despite the government’s allocation of a grant totaling 560 million FCFA for clubs and another 350 million FCFA for the logistical organization of competitions, referees have yet to receive their payments, even as the MTN  and Two championships approach the conclusion of the first round.

This dire situation goes beyond mere payment delays. Referees find themselves unable to travel and officiate matches, trapped in debts owed to creditors. This creates a vicious cycle that suffocates these professionals who are supposed to embody authority on the field.

The threat of a suspension is not to be taken lightly. Already facing “intense controversies, serious criticism, and insults,” as stated in their letter, the referees appear to have reached a breaking point. Such a decision could completely paralyze the professional championships at a crucial moment in the season.

The repercussions would be disastrous: halted competitions, financial losses for clubs, a devaluation of Cameroonian football in the eyes of sponsors and partners, not to mention the negative impact on players whose careers depend on the consistency of matches.

In light of this crisis, ACAF is directly appealing to the intervention of President Paul Biya, emphasizing that the referees’ concerns must be central to government actions for 2025. This move underscores the severity of the situation and the deadlock in negotiations with FECAFOOT.

An official response, signed by several officials including Patt Robert II, acknowledges the legitimacy of the concerns and promises a “careful review” of the situation, specifically mentioning the payment of match fees before the return phase begins. However, no specific timeline has been provided, casting doubt on a prompt resolution to the conflict.

This crisis occurs in an already tense context for Cameroonian football, highlighting once again the structural dysfunctions that undermine the development of the sport in the land of the Indomitable Lions.

Source: Footballboom

In an emotionally charged evening at the Palais des Congrès, young prodigy Nchindo Jean Bosco made headlines by winning the prestigious Cameroonian Ballon d’Or. This crowning achievement signifies the emergence of a new generation of talent that could transform the landscape of national football.

Previously unknown to the general public just a few months ago, Nchindo Jean Bosco has quickly established himself as the standout revelation of the season. The young striker from Young Sports Academy (YOSA) has dazzled experts and fans alike with his silky technique, keen game vision, and impressive goal-scoring capabilities. Competing in the shadow of the major clubs in the capital, he has nonetheless captured the attention of scouts with his exceptional performances in the MTN  league.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will also be remembered for the surprising reconciliation between Samuel Eto’o, president of the FECAFOOT, and the Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. “I would also like to address my minister who is here tonight… It is true that we have seen certain situations from opposing angles. Your Excellency, Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, the president of one of your federations that I am part of, thanks you,” stated the former FC striker.

In this atmosphere of reconciliation, Nchindo Jean Bosco received his award, symbolizing a Cameroonian football that seeks renewal and aims to reclaim its place on the continental stage. The young forward outperformed several favorites, demonstrating that talent can sometimes overshadow fame.

This accolade comes at a crucial time for Cameroonian football. As the national team navigates a challenging transitional period, the rise of young talents like Nchindo Jean Bosco provides a breath of fresh air.

The trajectory of this young striker echoes the paths of greats who have brought glory to Cameroonian football. From Samuel Eto’o to Roger Milla, the country has consistently produced exceptional talents capable of shining on the international scene. Nchindo Jean Bosco appears ready to bear the weight of this rich legacy.

Beyond his individual talent, this recognition also highlights the training efforts of Young Sports Academy. This club, less publicized than the major teams in Yaoundé or Douala, demonstrates that with a clear vision and dedicated work, it is possible to nurture exceptional talents, even away from the limelight.

The new Cameroonian Ballon d’Or now embodies the hope of an entire nation eager to reclaim its place at the top of African football.

Source: Footboom

Carrying the weight of his father’s legendary name, Etienne Eto’o is carving out his own path at Rayo Vallecano. The 22-year-old striker, son of Cameroonian icon Samuel Eto’o, has experienced a turbulent early career with stints at Mallorca, Oviedo, Vitoria Guimarães U23, and lower-division clubs Poblense and Unión Collado.

However, his move to Rayo Vallecano’s reserve team last summer has brought stability and success. After netting 15 goals in the Spanish fifth division last season, he continues to shine, leading his team’s push for promotion while earning opportunities with the senior squad.

With Sergio Camello injured, Eto’o was called up for Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga match against Villarreal, making a brief but significant debut.

Already featuring in four La Liga matches and scoring in the Copa del Rey, he expressed his joy: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. When I was called, I thought about all the sacrifices, my family, my mother, and everyone who supported me.”

His coach, Iñigo Pérez, sees great potential in him, hinting at more playing time. Meanwhile, Eto’o continues to dominate in the reserve team, scoring 21 goals in 23 matches, including six braces and a hat-trick this weekend. His journey is far from his father’s legendary career, but his steady rise in Spain is undeniable.

Source: en.africatopsports

The president of Limbe- based Victoria United club, Valentin Nkwain, is accused of kidnapping and torturing his team’s goalkeeper, Eric Parfait Djomeni Fokam , just 19 years old, for three days.

The goalkeeper is also a player for the Cameroon U-20 national team and, according to the media; everything happened after the president accused him of placing bets and selling his team’s matches.

After the news that has already “broken through”, the club itself has denied anything about such an incident.

Dynamics: police station, then seizure

Nkwain initially accompanied the doorman to the local police station to confess to the crime, but Erik denied everything and was immediately released. At this point, according to Cameroonian media reports, the president allegedly hired two people and sent them to Djomeni’s house to kidnap him and take him to his villa, where he was tortured for three long days in order to extract a confession.

The goalkeeper’s mother is said to have reported the incident; after going to the club’s offices to seek information, she was rudely expelled by the president. The National Union of Cameroonian Footballers (Synafoc) stood by the goalkeeper.

“Justice for Eric Parfait Djomeni! The young goalkeeper of Victoria United was kidnapped, held captive and tortured by the infamous president of his club, Valentin Nkwain. Eric Parfait Djomeni, you have my full support,” wrote Jacques Marcel Itiga, head of communications for Cameroon’s trade unions.

The president is a friend of Eto’o

President Nkwain was already at the center of a scandal 18 months ago for promoting his team to the first league thanks to the help of Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Federation and his friend, who were wiretapped in a telephone conversation.

“You have to stay calm. Our club has to be promoted to the first category, that’s our goal. But you have to give me a hand, you can’t make too much noise, you have to stay calm,” the club president said.

Denial of the club and the goalkeeper

The club wanted to deny the incident in a statement.

” False rumors are circulating that are throwing mud at our team. There is no truth to it .”

Shortly afterwards, a video of the goalkeeper himself denies everything.

“As you can see, I was not kidnapped. We are training normally, there is no problem. What came out on the internet is not true. I saw my mother yesterday,” says the goalkeeper.

The doubt remains that this is a mandatory denial.

Source: Voxnews

Usheni Hassan, 29, from Kumbo in the Northwest Region, won the 30th edition of Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Hassan completed the over 4,000-meter altitude challenge in 4 hours and 40 minutes. He first competed in the race in 2019, describing his initial performance as “positive,” and reached the top podium spot six years later.

Ali Mohamadou finished second in 4 hours and 42 minutes, and Abdou Amadou took third place in 4 hours and 45 minutes. The winners received prizes of 10 million, 7 million, and 5 million CFA francs, respectively.

In the women’s category, Lisette Ngalim, also from Kumbo, won the gold medal, completing the course in 5 hours and 24 minutes. Ngalim returns to the top podium spot after victories in 2017 and 2024. Njeyang Sydony Bonwi finished second, and Tumi Macrina Yinyuy took third place.

Source: Business in Cameroon

Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) is considering dismissing Marc Brys, the Belgian head coach of the Indomitable Lions. The issue was central to a press conference in Yaounde on February 19. A Fecafoot Executive Committee (Comex) delegation, led by First Vice President Céline Eko, accused Brys of repeated insubordination and contempt toward the federation’s leadership. Comex member Prosper Nkou Mvondo said the Belgian coach committed “unacceptable acts in the field of football.”

Before the press conference, Comex submitted a document outlining 10 violations by Brys to Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education (Minsep). Céline Eko and other Comex members demanded Brys submit unconditionally to the federation’s authority. Brys has until March 14 to amend his behavior. If he fails to comply, Comex warned it will take decisive action at its meeting on that date.

This is not the first time Fecafoot has threatened to dismiss Brys. Appointed on April 2, 2024, by Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi without Fecafoot’s approval, Brys has had a tense relationship with Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o has repeatedly attempted to remove him, but Brys, backed by the government, has remained. Brys also has the advantage of having successfully led the Indomitable Lions to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a feat praised by President Paul Biya in his February 10 speech, on the eve of Cameroon’s National Youth Day celebrations.

Source: Sbbc

A football match in Cameroon’s first division had to be abandoned on Sunday after gunmen opened fire near the stadium in Bamenda, the chief city in the North West region, according to local police and eyewitnesses.

Players ran off the pitch and fans dived for cover when shots rang out near the end of the first half of the game between PWD Bamenda and Fauve Azur forcing officials to suspend the game, local police told reporters.

“The match was going on when we suddenly heard several gunshots. It was so terrifying. There was total confusion at the stadium and people were running in all directions,” James Nfor who was at the stadium said.

Police said that no one was harmed after the timely intervention of security forces forced the gunmen to flee.

It was not immediately clear who fired the gun, but local authorities said separatist fighters who have been operating in the region were responsible.

An armed separatist conflict has been going in Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017. Separatists say they want to create an independent nation in the regions.

Source: Xinhuanet