Cameroon

26, May 2026

Football: Trabzonspor pushing to keep goalkeeper André Onana ⁰

Trabzonspor are continuing efforts to keep goalkeeper André Onana at the club despite uncertainty surrounding his future following the end of his loan spell from Manchester United.

The Turkish side is reportedly keen to secure another temporary agreement for the 30-year-old ahead of next season, with club president Ertuğrul Doğan said to be personally involved in negotiations over a possible extension.

Although recent comments and messages from the goalkeeper appeared to suggest a farewell, Trabzonspor remain determined to convince him to continue his stay in Turkey.

The club’s hierarchy is understood to value not only Onana’s performances on the pitch, but also his influence inside the dressing room, where he has established himself as one of the senior figures within the squad.

During his time with Trabzonspor, the Cameroon international has been regarded as an important presence due to both his experience and leadership qualities.

Despite the growing interest from Trabzonspor, Onana is yet to make a final decision on the next stage of his career.

Onana is currently expected to wait until the end of his holidays before carefully reviewing the different offers available to him from clubs across Europe.

The former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper is believed to want time to evaluate all sporting opportunities before deciding whether to remain in Turkey or pursue a new challenge elsewhere.

His situation is therefore expected to remain unresolved for the coming weeks as discussions continue between the parties involved.

Trabzonspor’s desire to retain the goalkeeper underlines the importance they place on maintaining stability within the squad ahead of the new campaign, particularly in a position considered crucial for the club’s ambitions next season.

For now, however, Onana’s future remains open, with the Cameroon international taking time before making a definitive choice on where he will play next season.

Source: Africa Soccer

25, May 2026

Atanga Nji’s Samuel Eto’o comment: Cameroon does not need bombastic declarations ⁰

As a chartered member of the ruling CPDM crime syndicate wanted by the Special Criminal Court in Yaoundé, the Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji has every right to dream big for Cameroonian football. Cameroonians are entitled to ambition and Cameroonian football fans are entitled to hope. But asking the President of the Cameroon Football Federation Samuel Eto’o to “give Cameroon two more Africa Cup of Nations titles and a FIFA World Cup semi-final place” is not leadership. It is political theatre wrapped in football romanticism.

Paul Atanga Nji’s statement collapses under the weight of its own absurdity.

Soccer in today’s world is not governed by charisma, nostalgia or individual football legend. It is governed by systems namely: youth development, coaching structures, domestic league investment and sports medicine including governance stability, scouting networks, infrastructure and institutional competence. No football federation president in the world, not even a global icon like Samuel Eto’o can wave a wand and manufacture continental dominance and World Cup semi-finals on command.

To frame Cameroon’s football destiny as the personal responsibility of one man is to fundamentally misunderstand how elite football works in 2026. We of the Concord Group are extremely shocked by Minister Paul Atanga Nji’s low sense of judgment.

Cameroon’s greatest football moments were not created by slogans from corrupt government ministers. The 1990 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run was the product of a golden generation, tactical discipline and an era in which African football was beginning to break psychological barriers. The 2000 and 2002 AFCON triumphs came from a deep reservoir of talent, organization and continuity. Even then, success was difficult, fragile and fiercely contested.

Today, the landscape is even harsher. Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 not because King Mohammed VI publicly demanded it, but because the country spent years building academies, modernizing football administration, investing in facilities and creating a coherent football ecosystem. Senegal’s rise was similarly institutional, not mystical. Egypt’s consistency did not emerge from reckless and tactless ministerial declarations. Serious football nations build patiently.

Cameroon continues to struggle with recurring administrative disputes, inconsistent domestic league structures, coaching instability and tensions between the Minister of Sports and Physical Education and football establishments. Mindful of the current situation, demanding “two more Africa Cup of Nations titles and a FIFA World Cup semi-final” sounds less like a strategic vision and more like a headline designed for applause in Yaoundé.

Even more troubling is the dangerous personalization of Cameroon’s football. Samuel Eto’o is not Cameroon’s entire football machinery. Eto’o is not the youth academies. Eto’o is not the league. Eto’o is not the tactical execution on the pitch. Eto’o is not the ministry of finance. Eto’o is not the infrastructure budget. Elevating one man into both savior and scapegoat is intellectually lazy and politically convenient.

If the Indomitable Lions fail, will Atanga Nji and his gang acknowledge structural dysfunction? Or will they simply recycle blame onto Eto’o?

Cameroon football development cannot continue to operate on plain fiction, superstition and celebrity worship. It requires accountability across government, federation leadership, clubs, coaches, schools and private investment. President Biya and his corrupt cabinet ministers should be talking about pitches, academies, referee standards, grassroots competitions, sports science and transparent governance not casually handing out World Cup semi-final ultimatums as though football were a ring road campaign promise to the people of the North West region.

There is also an arrogance hidden inside the Atanga Nji declaration. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations is extraordinarily difficult. Reaching a World Cup semi-final is historically monumental. Only one African nation has ever done it. To speak about these achievements as obligations rather than aspirations trivializes the scale of the challenge. Cameroon does not need bombastic declarations. It needs seriousness deep within government circles.

Samuel Eto’o should be judged on tangible administrative progress: improving football structures, stabilizing FECAFOOT operations, supporting grassroots football, attracting investment and creating long-term competitiveness. Those are measurable standards. Those are rational expectations.

But demanding “two AFCON trophies and a World Cup semi-final” as though football history can be summoned by political rhetoric is, quite simply, nonsensical nonsense.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

17, May 2026

MMA: The Predator Francis Ngannow returns with a destructive knockout victory ⁰

Francis Ngannou made a statement return to mixed martial arts with a destructive knockout victory over Philipe Lins, needing less than one round to settle the contest.

‎Fighting at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, the Cameroonian wasted no time reminding the world of his power. After nearly two years away from MMA competition, Ngannou came out aggressively, immediately putting pressure on his Brazilian opponent.

‎The decisive moment came late in the opening round. With just about a minute remaining, Ngannou unleashed a crushing left hand that sent Lins crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in without hesitation, bringing the bout to an emphatic end.

‎It was a dominant display from the former heavyweight champion, who showed no signs of ring rust. From the opening seconds, Ngannou dictated the pace, refusing to allow Lins any opportunity to settle into the fight.

‎The victory not only marks a successful comeback but also reinforces Ngannou’s reputation as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in heavyweight MMA. His return had been highly anticipated, and he delivered in emphatic fashion.

‎The bout was part of a major fight card broadcast globally on Netflix, adding further spotlight to an already high-profile return for “The Predator.”

Culled from Lebledparle.com

13, May 2026

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum: Cameroon mourns a guardian of national pride ⁰

The President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon is no more! Retired Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum died today in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital. No details have been released regarding the circumstances of his passing. But family sources have hinted that his funeral is scheduled to take place in a few hours at the Etoudi Mosque in Yaoundé. The nation is not mourning only a sports administrator but a builder of dreams, a guardian of national pride and a giant of African sport who has travelled to the land of his ancestors aged 76.

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum was a gentleman par excellence who believed in the Anglo-Saxon tradition of integrity and he carried the Olympic spirit not as a title but as a calling. To be sure, he stood at the crossroads of discipline and vision, blending the firmness of a Cameroonian soldier with the heart of a mentor. Under Colonel Hamad Kalkaba’s leadership, Africa’s sporting movements found not only integrity and dignity but also direction. He believed and fervently too that sport could unite tribes, generations and nations and he dedicated his whole life to making that belief real.

From stadiums in Douala, Buea, Bamenda, Garoua and Yaoundé to international Olympic assemblies, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum’s voice carried the hopes of African athletes. Kalkaba fought endlessly for the recognition of African sport on the world stage, ensuring that the dreams born on dusty training grounds could shine beneath Olympic lights.

But far beyond the medals, the international congresses and the titles, Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum will be remembered for something deeper: his unwavering faith in the Cameroonian youth.

Colonel Kalkaba saw potential where everyone saw limitation.

Colonel Kalkaba inspired courage where others saw obstacles.

Colonel Kalkaba reminded the world that excellence belongs to Africa too.

Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum left something behind that is very difficult to describe but the world is very much aware!

Even in death, Colonel Kalkaba’s legacy lives on:

in every Cameroonian athlete who dares to dream,

in every African flag raised in international competition,

and in every young sportsman or woman who now believes the world stage is within reach. Colonel Kalkaba did not merely lead institutions. Kalkaba shaped destinies.

May Yaoundé remember Colonel Kalkaba’s footsteps.

May Cameroon honour Colonel Kalkaba’s sacrifice.

May Africa never forget his service.

And may his soul find eternal peace among the champions he inspired.

Born on November 11, 1950 in Kawadji near Kousséri, he served as President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Cameroon since 1998, President of the African Athletics Confederation (CAA), and Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) since August 2015.

He replaced Lamine Diack following the death of Primo Nebiolo and lost the presidency of the International Military Sports Council in 2014. In 2024, he was elected President of the African Olympic Sports Confederation.

Rest well, Colonel! Your race was long, your finish was honorable and your legacy is immortal.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

13, May 2026

FECAFOOT new headquarters and the CPDM ribbon-cutting republic ⁰

Yaoundé, the nation’s capital where potholes have tenure, blackouts arrive more regularly and more reliably than ambulances and the entire population can name football clubs in Europe, North America and in the Gulf States before they can name a functioning public establishment, the Biya led regime today demonstrated once more its unmatched mastery of ceremony-the inauguration of the new building to host the Cameroon Football Federation.

The event can best be described as a source of shame attended with the gravity usually reserved for May 20 celebrations, Indomitable Lions victory parades or the discovery of potable tap water in the Far North Region.

The building seen here on the photo attached to this editorial will house the entire governing body of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) – a very noble achievement for a country that has participated in six FIFA World Cup finals.

Today’s ceremony in Yaoundé clearly reveals that the missing ingredient in our Francophone dominated Cameroonian football is not youth investment, honest and transparent administration, functioning local championships or unpaid players and coaching staffs. No. It is buildings. Magnificent ultra-modern buildings!

All of Cameroon except the 92-year-old President Biya was involved in today’s FECAFOOT new office party.

The presidency of the republic in the words of artist Maxi Manorh was “fully represented”! Cabinet ministers answered present. Deputy cabinet ministers came. Ministers delegated by ministers from the presidency and the prime minister’s office attended. Traditional rulers arrived. Barons of the ruling CPDM party were visible. Security entourages multiplied around the vicinity like unpaid invoices in the Ministry of Finance. Somewhere in the convoy was Ahmad Ahmad former president of the African Football Confederation who ousted the late Issa Hayatou.

The ceremony was planned with the sole and ill-disguised intention of making Cameroonians to put behind them the painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada-USA with the organizers insisting that the national anthem must be delivered in English. (See copy of program).

As usual, speeches flowed including that of CAF President Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe with the usual high-tempo soccer match enthusiasm for obvious facts. In one of the dirtiest capital cities in the world, the FECAFOOT building represents progress. Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe whose kinsmen have been slaughtering hundreds of black African migrants in his native South Africa praised the vision of modern football governance in Cameroon while seated beneath an air conditioner likely more efficient than FECAFOOT itself.

Every speaker on the public address system praised the leadership of Samuel Eto’o because in Biya’s Cameroon, no public staircase can simply be a staircase. It must symbolize emergence 2036, corruption, Special Criminal Court, resilience, appointments, decentralization and probably a big thank you to the Head of State.

Just outside the so-called new FECAFOOT building, ordinary Cameroonians watched the show with the weary expertise of citizens who have seen too many ribbon-cutting in Biya’s continued stay in power and zero outcomes. Ever since Biya took office, buildings are opened with fireworks and abandoned with silence.

What is laughable here is not that a new befitting FECAFOOT headquarters now exists in Yaoundé. Every serious football federation needs one. The comedy is the large scale of the political pilgrimage surrounding today’s inauguration event involving Prime Minister Dion Ngute, Higher Education Minister Fame Ndongo, Minister of Sports and Physical Education Mouelle Kombi Narcisse and a former CAF president banned from football activities. A country capable of mobilizing the political and administrative class to admire a building and the office furniture somehow still struggles to mobilize basic services with the same urgency. Perhaps Cameroon’s genuine national sport is not football but attendance. Name them: attendance at ceremonies, attendance at launches and attendance at commemorations of previous ceremonies. A CPDM MP or cabinet minister can miss parliamentary sessions, miss his or her children’s graduation ceremony; even miss family funeral rites but never the laying of a foundation stone as they often put it in their local parlance.

Meanwhile, on a playground some few meters away from the new FECAFOOT building producing the next generation of football talent, boys and girls are still playing on dusty environment with improvised goalposts and dreams larger than the budget for the inauguration refreshments.

But at least for now there is a FECAFOOT headquarters from which Samuel Eto’o and his progressive forces can discuss the condition of the dusty fields in the country.

A great leap forward.

To this I put my name

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

6, April 2026

Cameroon Football: Unisport crowned first-half champions, Colombe Sportive delivers a master class ⁰

The 13th match day of the Cameroonian championship marked the end of the first half of the season, delivering major talking points. Unisport du Haut-Nkam wrapped things up in style to clinch the honorary title, while Colombe Sportive made a statement on a goal-filled day packed with confirmations.

Already guaranteed to finish top, Unisport du Haut-Nkam put the finishing touch on their campaign with a 2-1 win away to Dynamo de Douala. Trailing after Samuel Ntomba opened the scoring, the leaders turned things around thanks to Kouam Mbappé and Vivien Koloto. This gritty victory takes their tally to 29 points.

With a four-point lead over their runners-up, the Western Torch closes out an impressive first half and establishes itself as the clear favorite for the title.

Coton Sport takes the derby and stays in the hunt

In the northern showdown, Coton Sport de Garoua claimed the “Garouassico” against Gazelle FA (2-1). Roger Emga and Harrison Djonkep made the difference for the Cotoniers, despite Serge Daura’s late consolation goal. This crucial win cements Coton Sport’s hold on second place with 25 points.

Despite the defeat, Gazelle remains fourth with 21 points and is still in the race for a podium finish.

Colombe Sportive puts on a show, the champions awaken

This was the standout performance of the day. Colombe Sportive du Sud outclassed Fauve Azur (4-0) in a one-sided affair.

By halftime, Eyango Priso, Njuma Conrad, and Bayebane had already put the game to bed. Brice Sindjo capped off the win in the second half, orchestrating the attack like a true maestro.

With this emphatic victory, the defending champions climb back into the top group (4th/5th place depending on results) and send a strong message ahead of the second half of the season.

PWD solid, Panthère keeps rolling

PWD of Bamenda confirmed their solidity by crushing Aigle Royal du Moungo (4-1). Buoyed by a brace from Junior Nguimbat, the Abakwas Boys move onto the podium with 23 points. Panthère du Ndé continues its resurgence with a second straight win (2-1) over Aigle de la Menoua. Yapendé and Tiba secured all three points, moving their team up to eighth with 18 points.

Canon strikes in Limbe, Victoria slips again

In Limbe, Canon Sportif de Yaoundé delivered with a 2-0 win over Victoria United. Junior Ebogo and Pascal Ombolo got the job done for the Kpakum, despite two late red cards. This victory breathes new life into Canon, now firmly in the mid-table mix.

Victoria, meanwhile, continues to struggle and remain ninth. Stade Renard beat AS Fortuna (1-0) and climbs to tenth with 14 points. AS Fortuna stays second from bottom and is still suffering. Fauve Azur, heavily beaten, remains under pressure in eleventh place. Aigle Royal du Moungo sinks to bottom spot with just 7 points.

Source: Foot Africa

2, April 2026

Cameroon Football: Ebwelle Bertin takes charge to revive Panthère du Ndé ⁰

Bertin Ebwelle has taken the helm at Panthère Sportive du Ndé with the ambition of breathing new life into a team searching for stability.

The news is now official: Bertin Ebwelle is the new head coach of Panthère Sportive du Ndé. The Cameroonian tactician succeeds Yves Clément Arroga, who recently stepped down amid a tense atmosphere.

The Bangangté club’s management wasted no time in responding. Riding the momentum of a convincing win over Dynamo de Douala, Panthère du Ndé opted to hand the reins to an experienced profile in order to steady the team’s sporting trajectory.

A former Cameroon international, Bertin Ebwelle joins an ambitious club—recent winners of the Cameroon Cup—that is eager to finish the first half of the season on a high note.

A high-pressure mission

Having previously managed Stade Renard de Melong, the coach has already settled in at Bangangté, where he arrived in recent hours. He was even received by local administrative authorities, a testament to the importance of his assignment.

But the challenge is considerable. Currently ninth in the standings with a game in hand, Panthère du Ndé is desperate for a turnaround. Ebwelle will need to make his mark quickly in an environment where results are demanded without delay.

Arroga, a departure amid tensions

The exit of Yves Clément Arroga still lingers in everyone’s mind. The now-former coach left the club after publicly denouncing the chairman’s interference in sporting affairs, pointing to an authoritarian management style.

The new man in charge at Panthère’s bench will soon face his first test. This Sunday, his team will take on Aigle Royal de la Menoua at the Fotso Victor Stadium in Bandjoun.

Source: Foot Africa

25, March 2026

Cameroon Football: Unisport leads, Canon asserts dominance against Fortuna ⁰

The 11th matchday of the Cameroonian championship wrapped up on Monday, March 23, 2026, with two decisive fixtures. Unisport du Haut-Nkam reclaimed the top spot in the league, while Canon Sportif continued their impressive home run.

Under pressure after Coton Sport’s victory the previous day, Unisport du Haut-Nkam delivered a flawless response by clinching a 1-0 win away against Aigle Royal du Moungo. In a tightly contested yet controlled match, the league leaders broke the deadlock through Tatow, the only scorer of the game. This crucial victory allows the Western Torchbearers to immediately reclaim their place at the top of the table.

Facing the bottom side, Unisport did what was necessary without flinching, reaffirming their credentials as serious title contenders. Meanwhile, things go from bad to worse for Aigle Royal du Moungo, who remain anchored to the bottom of the standings.

Canon Sportif triumphs and climbs the table

In the day’s other match, Canon Sportif of Yaoundé edged out AS Fortuna (1-0) in a fiercely contested regional derby.

The breakthrough came from Bonheur Nkoulou, brilliantly set up by Zacharie Ebogo, who had just come off the bench minutes earlier. This decisive goal secured Kpakum’s second home victory of the season.

Solid and increasingly consistent in recent weeks, Canon continue their upward trajectory and move into the top half of the table.

As for AS Fortuna, they add another frustrating result to their tally following their draw with PWD in the previous round.

With this win, Unisport regains the top spot, which had been temporarily claimed by Coton Sport on Sunday. The battle for first place remains fierce between these two sides.

Behind them, Canon keeps climbing, Fortuna stalls, and Aigle Royal du Moungo sinks deeper into trouble.

Aigle Royal de Moungo 0-1 Unisport

PWD de Bamenda 1-0 AS Fortuna

Culled from Foot Africa

22, March 2026

Football: Arsenal is keen to sign Cameroonian teenager ⁰

Arsenal has been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane, as the 19-year-old continues to impress at the German club.

He is regarded as one of several exciting players within their current squad and has established himself as an important figure in the group, prompting Arsenal to express strong interest in securing his signature. The club are aware that his development trajectory suggests he could soon attract wider attention, which would make any future transfer pursuit increasingly competitive.

Growing Interest in Kofane

Arsenal remain one of the world’s biggest clubs, and, as reported by Fichajes, they have been monitoring Kofane’s progress for some time. Their long-term interest reflects a strategic approach to identifying emerging talent before it reaches peak market value.

However, they are not alone in their pursuit. Several other leading clubs are also keen to strengthen their squads with the addition of the young forward, meaning Arsenal are likely to face significant competition. This level of interest could complicate negotiations and increase the difficulty of completing a deal.

Transfer Challenge for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is expected to be eager to add Kofane to his squad, recognising the potential he could bring to the team’s attacking options. A move to London could appeal to the player, offering him the opportunity to develop further in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Nevertheless, the transfer does not depend solely on the player’s preference. Arsenal must also reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen, who may be reluctant to part with one of their promising talents. Securing such a deal would likely require a compelling offer and careful negotiation.

Kofane’s performances on the international stage have also contributed to Arsenal’s continued interest. He was one of the standout attackers for his country at the AFCON, providing the club with an opportunity to assess his abilities more closely. This exposure has reinforced their belief in his potential, ensuring that he remains firmly on their radar as they consider future additions to their squad.

Source: One Football

20, March 2026

Indomitable Lions: Pagou unveils squad for 2026 FIFA Series ⁰

The head coach of Cameroon’s national men’s football team, David Pagou, on Thursday announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA Series.

The squad includes four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, nine midfielders, and three forwards.

Key midfielder Carlos Baleba, who plays for Premier League club Brighton, is not included in the squad, which also features local players.

“We have chosen players with a high level of positive spirit. We played well during the Africa Cup of Nations and we want to consolidate that by introducing new players. There are great players in our national championships,” Pagou told reporters while unveiling the list at a press conference in the capital, Yaoundé.

“This competition is important to us and we want to play well and earn points in the FIFA rankings,” he said.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will face Australia on March 27 in Sydney and China on March 31 in Melbourne.

The FIFA Series is an invitational competition. The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups, including nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six continental confederations represented. The tournament will run from March 25 to April 18.

Culled from Xinhuanet by Queen Besumbu Agbaw