Boxer Cindy Ngamba is hopeful of winning a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics – but has vowed never to go back to her home country of Cameroon.

Ngamba left the African nation aged just 11 with her family to head to the UK, where they settled in Bolton, eventually being granted asylum status years later.

She picked up boxing a decade ago, but while she trains with GB Boxing and had hoped to represent Great Britain at the games, she has been prevented from doing so after failing to attain a British passport in time.

As such, in Paris she is representing the 37-athlete strong Refugee Olympic Team and was one of their flagbearers in the opening ceremony.

But Ngamba has no intention of ever stepping foot in the country of her birth again, having come out as gay aged 18.

‘In Cameroon, it’s illegal to have any kind of sexuality instead of straight,’ the now 25-year-old said of this summer’s games.

‘That was one of the reasons why I was given refugee status. I can’t go back.’

Ngamba’s worst fears were nearly realised shortly after she came out, when she and her brother were arrested during a routine visit to an immigration centre in Bolton and subsequently sent to a detention camp in London.

‘It was like a prison in there, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,’ she recalled.

‘I spoke to some of the women, some had children with them, some didn’t know if they were going back that evening. I was left with so many thoughts, not knowing what was going to happen to me.

‘I had created something here and I would be sent back to a country I hadn’t been to since I was a child.’

Everything has been going to plan so far in Paris however, winning her opening bout in the women’s 75kg event against the third seed Tammara Thibeault from Canada.

Ngamba, who previously won British National Amateur Championships in three different weight categories, will now take on France’s Davina Michel in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

‘If it wasn’t for the support I got from the people who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself…no matter how hard you try, it’s those people who started this for me.

‘Having to adapt to a lifestyle here was difficult. Then becoming an adult and needing papers to take the next step, making my case to the Home Office and failing so many times, it’s been very, very hard.’

Source: metro.co.uk

African football’s governing body has fined Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), $200,000 for an ethics breach, but found insufficient evidence to pursue a charge related to allegations of match-fixing.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) opened an investigation into Eto’o’s conduct in August last year after receiving “written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders”.

A disciplinary panel found, external that the four-time African Footballer of the Year had “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship” of Caf by signing a contract to be an ambassador for betting company 1XBET.

Eto’o’s lawyers have said they will appeal against the verdict.

1XBET sponsors the top two divisions of men’s professional football in Cameroon and both the men’s and women’s international sides, while the regulations of Fifa, football’s global governing body, state that people bound by its code are not allowed any involvement in betting related to football.

Last July, a group representing amateur clubs in Cameroon called on Eto’o to resign, highlighting their concern over the 43-year-old’s relationship with 1XBET and citing “grave irregularities” at Fecafoot.

Match-fixing allegations

While Eto’o has been found guilty of breaching Caf statutes when it comes to ethics, he has escaped a sanction related to match-fixing, with the disciplinary panel ruling that “as it stands, there is insufficient proof”.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker was being investigated alongside Valentine Nkwain, president of newly promoted club side Victoria United, following a leaked phone conversation said to be of the pair discussing Victoria’s return to the top flight before promotion had been guaranteed.

Both have previously denied involvement in any conspiracy to manipulate results.

The latest judgement by Caf is unlikely to quell dissent in Cameroon related to Eto’o’s running of football in the country.

Earlier this week a group of administrators, including former members of Fecafoot and the president of the country’s Professional Football League, wrote an open letter to Caf president Patrice Motsepe and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino, urging them to speed up their investigations and pointing out that possible sanctions included a lifetime ban.

The letter said “many stakeholders who have been in the game for several decades are leaving because of the abuses that have taken place over the past two years.”

Source: BBC

A man who posed as the coach of Cameroon’s national handball team has been given a two year suspended sentence and barred from Switzerland for six years.

The Cameroonian national had arrived in January at Zurich airport along with 19 compatriots without visas. Upon arrival, the 45-year-old declared that he was traveling with his team to participate in the African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

All false, according to prosecutors. The man acknowledged the charges and the penalty demands and was therefore tried today by the District Court of Bülach in canton Zurich under the fast-track procedure.

The Cameroonian national was found guilty of qualified promotion of illegal entry and stay. The man, who has been in preventive detention since his arrival in Switzerland, will now be released and handed over to the Immigration Office, which will handle deportation.

Of the 19 Cameroonians who arrived with him in Switzerland, 17 later traveled to France to live a clandestine existence. Two remained in Switzerland, applied for asylum and in turn became untraceable.

The defendant said in court that he received 2,500 euros for his service. The man, a sports teacher, is actually employed by the Cameroonian handball association.

“We are in the realm of highly professional migration crime,” the single judge said in presenting the ruling. Real passports were used and many efforts were made to make the group look like a real national handball team. “In light of the confession, however, a two-year sentence seems appropriate,” the judge added.

In addition to the suspended sentence and expulsion from Switzerland, the sentence also includes the confiscation of 22 passports. These will be handed over to the cantonal police, who will use them to train officers at the document examination center.

Source: Swissinfo

The interrogation of Samuel Eto’o comes ten months after he was accused of involvement in match-fixing by players.

The President of Cameroon’s Football Federation had a session with the disciplinary panel of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday.

There was no word on how he pleaded. The questioning took place behind closed doors.

The allegations contend that Eto’o irregularly helped one club to rise to the top of the Cameroonian League two years ago. His accusers say they have supplied evidence pinning the former Barcelona player to CAF.

The match-fixing charge is not the only one bothering Eto’o.

His accusers also lodged a complaint with FIFA citing unethical behavior over an ambassadorial deal he secured with a sports betting company.

If found guilty, Eto’o faces no less than a lifetime suspension from football.

Eto’o was elected head of Cameroon’s football federation in December 2021.

Source: Africa News

Former Cameroon and Celtic midfielder Landry Nguemo has tragically passed away following a car accident.

The incident occurred in the locality of Ngomo, along the Yaoundé – Bafoussam axis in Cameroon.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed the heartbreaking news.

“The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has just learned the tragic news of the passing of former Indomitable Lion Landry Nguemo in a traffic accident,” it read.

“Nguemo, who was a key player for the Cameroonian national team from 2006 to 2014 and a former member of Girondins de Bordeaux, will be remembered for his contributions to football. FECAFOOT extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community.”

Landry Tsafack Nguémo, born on November 28, 1985, began his football career in Dschang, a town in western Cameroon.

He played for various local teams before moving to Yaoundé at the age of 13. Nguémo was soon spotted by scouts from Nancy, who invited him to France for trials.

He signed with the club at the age of 15 and made his debut four years later, in August 2005, as a substitute against Lyon in a league match.

In January 2009, he expressed interest in moving away from Nancy amidst rumors linking him to Arsenal, Sunderland, and Everton.

On January 31, 2009, he scored his first goal for Nancy, a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Le Havre.

His second goal came under similarly dramatic circumstances, scoring again in the 90th minute against Marseille on May 23, 2009.

In July 2009, Nguémo joined Celtic on a one-year loan with an option to make the move permanent.

Wearing the number 6 shirt, he quickly made an impression. His debut came in a 0-0 draw against Cardiff City, where he was awarded Celtic’s man of the match.

He made his competitive debut in a Champions League qualifying tie against Dynamo Moscow and played a crucial role in the team’s victory in the return leg, helping Celtic advance to play Arsenal.

Nguémo made 35 appearances for Celtic, but a permanent move did not materialize, and he returned to Nancy.

In July 2011, he transferred to Bordeaux, signing a three-year contract. During his first season, he played in 33 of Bordeaux’s 38 league fixtures, helping the team secure fifth place and qualification for the Europa League.

In October 2013, he suffered a scare during a Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, initially suspected to be a minor heart attack. However, tests found nothing serious, and Nguémo returned to action two weeks later.

After a brief stint with Saint-Étienne in 2015, Nguémo moved to Turkish football, signing with Akhisar Belediyespor and later with Kayserispor.

On the international stage, he made 42 appearances for Cameroon, scoring three goals, and participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Nguémo retired from professional football after a spell at Norwegian side Kongsvinger in 2019.

In May 2020, he began a coaching career, starting as U18 manager at French club COS Villers-les-Nancy and later as a youth coach at AS Nancy.

Beyond football, Nguémo had a passion for falconry, keeping a modest collection of birds of prey. His favorite was a white-tailed eagle named Mr. George, after George Weah.

Source: Pulsesports

The Cameroon football scene has become entrenched in a crisis with no immediate resolution in sight.

The language between Samuel Eto’o, FECAFOOT, and MINSEP has notably changed since the Marc Brys affair. Tensions remain high despite the FIFA window for World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the “Indomitable Lions’” relatively favorable results.

President Paul Biya had promised a significant aggiornamento during his February 10, 2024 address to the youth, but this transformation seems distant. Initially touted as a major turning point for Cameroonian football, this project is now mired in an open conflict between the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP) and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

Recently, Joseph-Antoine Bell, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football as a former goalkeeper and astute observer of the Indomitable Lions, criticized President Biya’s apparent silence amidst the power struggle between FECAFOOT and MINSEP. This dispute, which has fueled discussions for weeks, was central to Bell’s remarks on the late-night program “La Vérité en Face” on Équinoxe TV. Bell criticized FECAFOOT while explaining why President Biya, aged 90, seems relatively indifferent to the intense conflict over the national team’s staff.

According to the former Olympique de Marseille player, Biya’s prolonged silence may be strategic, potentially paving the way for future sanctions: “Do not expect the Head of State to meddle in quarrels every day. He has spoken (…) He will calmly judge who listens, who understands, who does not understand. When he returns, it will be to strike,” he declared.

The former Cameroonian international suggests that Samuel Eto’o, president of FECAFOOT, could be under presidential scrutiny, though not explicitly named. Bell believes that Biya had granted full authority to MINSEP in his national address following the Indomitable Lions’ dramatic elimination in the 2023 AFCON round of 16.

The Cameroon’s tarnished image, divided public

This conflict has significantly damaged the country’s international image in recent months, heightening tensions within Cameroonian football. According to Paul Moutila, the crisis shows no signs of abating in Cameroon. The core of the dispute is far from what everyone thinks. Indeed, one must go back to the era of the previous coach. This new revelation complicates matters. It is entrusted that the dismissal of Rigobert Song after the disappointing performances of the Indomitable Lions at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire has only worsened tensions.

The choice of a new coach has become a real tug-of-war between the two institutions, each claiming authority from the “Very High Presidential Instructions.” This quarrel has left Cameroonians deeply disillusioned. On social media, debates have become bitter, escalating into a virtual war of invective and accusations. Cameroon’s once-proud footballing nation image is now tarnished. The international press has not hesitated to report on these internal conflicts, contributing to national embarrassment.

Despite this chaotic atmosphere, the Indomitable Lions have managed to rebound with a resounding victory over Cape Verde (4-1) and a creditable draw against Angola (1-1). However, these successes fail to mask the underlying problems. It is imperative to end these sterile disputes and focus on the real goal: the development of Cameroonian football and the satisfaction of supporters. MINSEP and FECAFOOT must transcend their differences and cooperate for the good of national football.

Culled from Africa Sports

Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Moulle Kombi on Thursday appealed for unity amidst growing tension between the ministry and Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will play crucial World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde on Saturday and Angola three days later but weeks of crisis among football stakeholders in the country could impact the performance of the team.

“I implore you to open your spirits and heart to victory. Let’s adhere to optimism. The challenges can only be fought with the contribution of everyone, with positive contributions from everyone,” Kombi said at a meeting to deliberate on the state of preparedness of the national men’s football team.

“It is therefore a question of appealing to the demands of responsibility, to the consideration of the primacy of the general interest, the interest of Cameroon in the sporting field, which surpasses sectoral, fragmentary and partial interests. We appealed to the consolidation of the sacred union around the Indomitable Lions,” he added during the meeting in the capital.

Cameroon football has been in crisis since April after Kombi appointed Belgium’s Marc Brys as head coach, but his choice was initially rejected by FECAFOOT, which complained that it was not involved in the appointment procedure “in disregard of texts”. The association later confirmed Brys as the new head coach, but dismissed some members of the technical staff appointed by the minister, and appointed new ones to replace them.

On Monday, FECAFOOT did not provide training kits to the team after Brys insisted to work only with the technical staff appointed by the minister.

On Wednesday, FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o said, only the technical staff appointed by FECAFOOT will be allowed to access to the stadium during the match between Cameroon and Cape Verde.

Source: Xinhuanet

In an extraordinary feat of endurance and cultural pride, 52-year-old Cameroonian runner Afowiri Fondzenyuy has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run while wearing a traditional toghu. Afowiri completed the marathon in an impressive time of 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 20 seconds, capturing the world’s attention and celebrating Cameroonian heritage on a global stage.

The marathon, held in Tokyo in March 2024, was marked by Afowiri ‘s vibrant and intricately embroidered toghu, a traditional garment of the people of Cameroon. The toghu, typically worn during significant cultural ceremonies, added a unique challenge to the race due to its elaborate design and weight. However, Afowiri’s determination and cultural pride propelled him to achieve this remarkable milestone.

Afowiri ‘s journey to the record was one of dedication and perseverance, he combined his passion for running with a deep-rooted love for his cultural heritage. Speaking after the race, Afowiri expressed his joy and pride, stating, “This record is not just for me but for all Cameroonians and Africans. It shows that we can honor our traditions while achieving greatness in modern endeavors.”

Inspiring many with his selfless dedication, Afowiri, a marathon runner who began his journey in 2011, continues to run marathons not for titles or personal glory, but to raise funds for underprivileged children. Over the past thirteen years, Afowiri has participated in numerous worldwide marathons, channeling all proceeds towards providing better opportunities and resources for needy children.

Afowiri’s mission began as a personal challenge but quickly transformed into a philanthropic endeavor after witnessing the struggles faced by underprivileged children in his community. “Running has given me a platform to make a real difference,” Afowiri stated. “It’s not about the accolades or the recognition; it’s about giving these kids a chance at a brighter future.”

His efforts have garnered significant support from local and international communities, with donations pouring in to support his cause. Each marathon he completes not only raises essential funds but also raises awareness about the issues faced by underprivileged children, inspiring others to contribute in their ways.

Despite the physical and mental demands of marathon running, Afowiri 52 remains steadfast in his commitment. “Every mile I run is for them,” he shared. “Knowing that my efforts can help change a child’s life keeps me going, even when the race gets tough.”

The event garnered widespread attention, with spectators and many celebrities applauding Afowiri’s unique achievement Christopher John Lamora, United States ambassador to Cameroon has also applauded him. Social media was abuzz with praise and admiration for his accomplishment, with many lauding his efforts to bring cultural attire into the sporting world.

Guinness World Records officials announced on their site and social media officially verifying the record, after ensuring that all criteria were met. They confirmed that Afowiri had indeed set a new benchmark, making his feat an official entry into the record books. This achievement adds to the growing list of diverse and inspiring records that showcase the incredible potential of human beings.

Afowiri ‘s success is expected to inspire future generations of athletes, and philanthropists particularly those from Africa, to embrace their cultural identities while striving for excellence in various fields. His record-breaking run serves as a testament to the power of combining tradition with modernity, creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

As Afowiri returns to Cameroon, he plans to continue promoting sports and cultural heritage, encouraging athletes to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their roots. His achievement is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and cultural pride, anything is possible.

Source: Vanguard