Sports

10, March 2026

Football: triumphant return of the 2025 Ballon d’Or to Garoua ⁰

Serge Daura made an emotional return to his hometown of Garoua. The Gazelle FA striker, crowned Cameroon’s best player of the year, came to present his trophy to his family and loved ones in a festive, jubilant atmosphere.

A hero’s welcome awaited Serge Daura. Arriving in the afternoon at Garoua International Airport, the new Cameroonian Ballon d’Or winner was greeted by a jubilant crowd. Teammates, supporters, and partners were all present to celebrate the return of the player who lit up the 2025 season with his remarkable performances.

The striker received a guard of honor before leaving the airport amid an impressive motorcade. The procession, accompanied by songs and applause, wound through several city streets, turning his arrival into a true public celebration.

Presenting the trophy to his family

Beyond the public tribute, this visit held deep symbolic meaning for the player. By holding his trophy aloft in front of his loved ones, Serge Daura wanted to share this moment with those who have supported him since the very beginning.

Pride runs high in his home region. The player’s triumph represents not only a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for countless young footballers in Northern Cameroon who dream of following in his footsteps. This Ballon d’Or also rewards the outstanding season delivered by the striker with Gazelle FA.

Source: Sports Yahoo

10, March 2026

Francis Ngannou returns to MMA against Philipe Lins on Netflix ⁰

MMA superstar Francis “The Predator” Ngannou is set to make a highly anticipated return to the cage on May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles.

According to a press release from Most Valuable Promotions on March 9, Ngannou will face Brazilian heavyweight Philipe “Monstro” Lins in a headline bout that will be broadcast globally on Netflix. This event, titled “Rousey vs. Carano, Ngannou vs. Lins,” is historic as it marks the first time a live mixed martial arts event will be streamed on the platform.

Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, remains one of the most feared strikers in combat sports history, renowned for a career defined by devastating knockouts, including seven finishes within the first two minutes of the opening round. His opponent, Philipe Lins, a 2018 Professional Fighters League heavyweight tournament winner, brings his own reputation as a formidable finisher to the cage. Promoters expect a high-stakes clash between the two, noting that they hold a combined total of 22 knockout victories.

In his statement, Ngannou addressed his time away from the sport, describing his silence as the sound of a predator approaching and framing his return not merely as a comeback, but as a reconquest of the heavyweight division. The fight card will also feature a landmark women’s featherweight bout between MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, further elevating the profile of the evening.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of the formal conclusion of Ngannou’s partnership with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) on March 6, 2026. After joining the PFL in May 2023 to help drive the organization’s international expansion, Ngannou competed just once under their banner, securing a first-round victory over Renan Ferreira in October 2024. During his tenure with the league, Ngannou also pursued high-profile crossover boxing matches against heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Culled from APA News by Queen Besumbu Agbaw

2, March 2026

Indomitable Lions: Pagou invites 30 home-based players for training camp ⁰

Cameroon’s quest to discover the next generation of stars has officially begun, as national team coach David Pagou unveiled a 30-man squad drawn exclusively from the domestic league for a special training camp in Yaoundé.

The five-day camp, scheduled to run from March 6 to March 10, 2026, forms part of preparations for the upcoming March international break. More importantly, it signals a deliberate shift toward identifying and grooming home-based talent capable of strengthening the Cameroon national football team, famously known as the Indomitable Lions.

Pagou has made it clear that this camp is not just routine preparation — it is a talent discovery mission. By selecting players solely from the local league, the coach aims to widen the national team pool and give deserving domestic performers a genuine opportunity to stake their claim.

Among the standout names are youngsters Rony Baliag Nougi and Essinguila Mbinde, both members of Cameroon’s U17 side. The duo recently featured at the Uniffac U17 tournament held in DR Congo in February, where the young Lions emerged champions — a triumph that underlined the growing promise within the country’s youth ranks.

Their inclusion in the senior preparatory camp highlights Pagou’s willingness to fast-track exceptional youth prospects into the broader national setup.

The squad features four goalkeepers, a solid defensive contingent, a dynamic midfield group, and a promising selection of attacking options. For many of the invited players, this camp represents a career-defining opportunity, a platform to impress the technical team and possibly secure future call-ups to the senior national squad.

With competition intensifying ahead of upcoming international engagements, the Yaoundé camp could prove pivotal in shaping the next chapter of the Indomitable Lions.

As Cameroon continues its rebuilding process, all eyes will be on these home-based stars to see who rises to the occasion and takes a decisive step toward wearing the famous green, red, and yellow on the international stage.

Below is the squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Marc Janvier Nomo Onguene

Ismael Michel Nwoagou Fansu

Manuel Maurice Nkolulou

Housseini Ousmanou

DEFENDERS

Lalmaine Abdoulhabdoullah Adamou Lifa

David Fenda Alaba

Bogard Eyong Bessem Agbor

Joseph Alexandre Nde

Cyril Dominique Maikte

Serges Valery Elondou Ndomzo

Henri Claude Balladjaka Ahmadou

Barkagil Franck Sterly Peto

Essinguila Mbinde

MIDFIELDERS

Mael Fernandez Monyabe

Jean Oussama Arsène Mekila

Sébastien Noah Arnauissa Fady Ousmanou

Konrad Nfanseu Sinyam

Junior Landry Nkouam

Pollanko Ghangle Rettensi

Jephter Arrey Oduak

Patrick Clovert Fongang

FORWARDS

Ambroise Y. Sow

Undi Evouma

Eden Créoly Nyeme

Jules Armand Kobi Boulma

Dylan Kouam Mbappe Akim

Rony Baliag Nougi

Source: Africa Soccer

23, February 2026

Mount Cameroon Race of Hope champions peace in Southern Cameroons ⁰

When Hamadou Bi Ibrahim crossed the finish line to secure a victory in Cameroon’s iconic mountain race, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

The 38-year-old runner was among more than 600 participants, including 22 foreign competitors, who took on the challenge of scaling the highest mountain in West and Central Africa during the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope over the weekend.

First held in 1973, the race combines the demands of a marathon with the challenges of a mountain climb. The course requires runners to ascend to the summit and then retrace the same demanding route back to the starting point at Molyko Stadium. Participants have to brave temperatures that range from 28 degrees Celsius at the base to near freezing at the 4,100-meter summit.

For Ibrahim, the win marked years of perseverance on the demanding course. “I am very pleased and proud to win this race. It is a difficult race, especially when climbing the mountain,” Ibrahim said.

Beyond personal glory, Ibrahim said he was encouraged by the race’s efforts to promote harmony, understanding and nonviolence.

Hailing from the village of Awing in the conflict-affected Northwest Region, he traveled hundreds of miles to participate. “Coming here and taking part in this race gives us hope for peace and stability,” he said.

For years, Cameroon’s Southwest and Northwest regions have been struggling in an armed separatist conflict. The capital of the Southwest Region, Buea, where the race takes place, has seen separatist activity. In 2023, multiple explosions during the event injured 19 athletes.

This year, however, the atmosphere was markedly peaceful. John Berinyu, who arrived early in the morning to watch the race, said: “This race is a complete success. Unlike in previous editions, where people were afraid of bombings, lockdowns and shootings, the population came out in their numbers to witness the event.”

“There were no explosions, no shootings. It is a good sign. We sincerely hope that this peaceful atmosphere will continue,” Berinyu hinted.

On the eve of the race, hundreds of people gathered at Molyko Stadium for festivities highlighting Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity. Among them was Vanessa Njie.

“This cultural event is my favorite part of the race. It brings Cameroonians together, and we forget our differences and just live like humans, like a country in peace. This race is helping us take a breather from daily violence,” Njie said.

For authorities, the race underscored the vital role sport can play in fostering reconciliation among divided communities.

As in previous years, the event carried the theme “Give Peace a Chance” to promote peace and forgiveness, said Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Cameroon’s minister of sports and physical education, who presided over the race.

“Peace is precious. We will continue to ask young people to embrace peace. This year was a resounding success. The peaceful ending of this race means that Cameroonians in the Southwest have demonstrated their love for peace and unity of the country,” Kombi said.

Culled from Xinhuanet

1, February 2026

Football: Bamboutos Mbouda arrives at stadium with 8 players, no technical staff ⁰

An unusual occurrence in Cameroon’s second division, Elite Two! Bamboutos Mbouda club, which was scheduled to play Avion FC Académie on Saturday, 31 January 2026, in the first round of the 2025-26 season, showed up with only eight players.

The team also arrived without any technical staff. During the match, two of the eight players on the pitch were injured and left their teammates. Bamboutos Mbouda could not continue the match with only six players. As a result, the match was stopped by the officials.

It is now up to the Disciplinary Committee of the Cameroonian Football Federation to decide on the outcome of the match.

Source: Dailysports

27, January 2026

Victoria United Vs PWD Bamenda: FECAFOOT suspends five match officials over controversial refereeing ⁰

Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has suspended four referees and a match inspector following contentious refereeing decisions during a game in the country’s flagship football tournament, the MTN Elite One Championship.

In a statement, FECAFOOT said the match, which was played on the opening day of the championship between Victoria United and PWD of Bamenda, was “marred by clearly questionable refereeing decisions”.

The match, hosted by Victoria United on Sunday, saw four yellow cards shown to PWD Bamenda, two PWD goals disallowed, and three penalties awarded to Victoria United.

“The refereeing quartet and the match inspector who officiated during the said match have been provisionally suspended from all activity pending the conclusion of the ongoing disciplinary procedures,” FECAFOOT said in the statement Monday night.

FECAFOOT said it was also investigating “serious suspicions of match-fixing” in the Dynamo Douala vs AS Fortuna match, played on the same day.

Match-fixing in Cameroonian football has come under the spotlight in recent times, with stakeholders alarmed by the increasing cases of alleged manipulation of results in the country’s MTN Elite One Championship and lower tiers.

“FECAFOOT reaffirms its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency in competitions, and fair play-values essential to the development of national football. It reiterates that only the outcome on the pitch should be decided,” the statement said.

Source: Xinhuanet

26, January 2026

CPDM Crime Syndicate: Coach Sacked by Eto’o receives salary, AFCON bonus ⁰

Drama continues to be witnessed in Cameroon as Belgian coach is reportedly still being paid and even received an AFCON bonus when he was removed before the tournament kicked off.

The power struggle within Cameroon football continues after it emerged that Belgian coach Marc Brys is still getting paid even after he was removed just before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Brys was removed by the Samuel Eto’o-led FECAFOOT, the country’s football federation, on the eve of AFCON 2025 with David Pagou installed ahead of the tournament.

Pagou led the Indomitable Lions at AFCON 2025, reaching the quarter-final, where they were eliminated by hosts Morocco.

Cameroon Football Federation Raises Concerns Over CAF Disciplinary Procedures Involving Samuel Eto’o

However, according to Sport News Africa, Pagou’s appointment did not have the approval of the Sports Ministry, who hires and pays the national team coach, and as such, he is yet to be paid for his duties.

Meanwhile, Brys, who was hired by the Ministry but was rejected by FECAFOOT, is still getting paid and is reported to have even received an AFCON bonus despite not leading the team at the tournament.

How Much Was ‘Sacked’ Coach Paid?

This is because his contract was not terminated by the appointing authority (Sports Ministry) who still consider him the national team coach.

“The state never officially terminated Mr Brys’s contract,” a source told Sport News Africa. “Whether we like it or not, the administration cannot unilaterally suspend a contract without a legal basis.”

Brys was reportedly paid a bonus of 20 million CFA francs, or approximately €30,500 (Ksh4.6 million) in relation to Cameroon’s performance at AFCON, based on the contractual agreement signed when he was hired, while he is earning a monthly salary believed to be between €44,000 (Ksh6.6 million) and €60,000 (Ksh9 million), which includes dues to his assistant and video analyst.

The Belgian coach has repeatedly maintained that he still considers himself the Cameroon coach as he has never been formally terminated while Eto’o has never recognised him.

With the drama, Pagou is left in between as the Sports Ministry has allegedly refused to pay him as they do not recognise him while Eto’o insists it’s the government’s duty to pay the national team coach.

Source: Pulsesports

26, January 2026

Football: Senegalese national killed in Morocco after AFCON final ⁰

A Senegalese national has been killed in Morocco following the Africa Cup of Nations final, according to a report by Senegalese journalist Lala Rassoul, prompting shock and calls for justice within the Senegalese community.

The journalist said the victim, identified as Charles Diouf, was attacked by unknown individuals after the conclusion of the final match.

He sustained multiple stab wounds from a bladed weapon and later died from his injuries. No further details were immediately available about the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Lala Rassoul explained that the incident took place under conditions that remain unclear and are now the subject of official investigations.

The competent authorities are expected to determine how the events unfolded and to identify those responsible for the killing.

The death has cast a shadow over the aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations final, which had drawn large crowds and intense emotions.

While celebrations and gatherings followed the match, the reported killing has shifted focus to concerns over safety and accountability.

Members of the Senegalese community expressed deep sadness and disbelief at the news.

Many have called for a thorough and transparent investigation, urging authorities to establish the facts and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.

The case has resonated widely among Senegalese supporters and expatriates, who described the incident as a devastating loss.

The journalist’s account underscored the uncertainty that continues to surround the case, noting that official findings will be crucial in clarifying what happened.

Until investigators conclude their work, questions remain about the motive for the attack and the identity of the assailants.

As the investigation proceeds, the incident has highlighted the profound impact such acts can have beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting communities already processing the emotional intensity of a major sporting event.

For many Senegalese, the focus has shifted from the outcome of the final to mourning a compatriot and seeking answers.

Authorities have yet to release further information, and no arrests have been announced.

The Senegalese community continues to await developments, emphasizing the need for clarity, justice and accountability in the wake of the reported killing.

Source: Africa Soccer

26, January 2026

Football: Mbeumo hails Manchester United manager Michael Carrick ⁰

Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo has shed lights on Manchester United dressing room following the appointment of club legend Michael Carrick as head coach, stressing his arrival has brought a noticeable shift in energy and approach.

After the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils turned to Carrick to steady the ship, handing the former midfielder interim responsibility for the first team. Carrick’s return to the dugout has already made an impact, both in results and in atmosphere, according to those within the squad.

The new era began in emphatic fashion, as United claimed a convincing 2–0 victory over rivals Manchester City in Carrick’s first match in charge. Mbeumo played a starring role in that derby triumph, getting his name on the scoresheet and helping United assert control against their neighbors.

Reflecting on the changes since Carrick’s appointment, Mbeumo highlighted the difference he has felt on the training ground and beyond. He said:

“Training is different. The mentality is different. The manager is a legend here so everyone wants to do their best.”

The winger’s comments underline the renewed motivation within the squad, with Carrick’s status and understanding of the club seemingly inspiring players to raise their levels during a crucial phase of the season.

Despite the turbulence earlier in the campaign, Manchester United remains firmly in the hunt near the top end of the table. After 23 Premier League matches, the club crushed leaders Arsenal and the early signs under Carrick suggest a group eager to push forward and rediscover consistency under familiar leadership.

Source: Africa Soccer

19, January 2026

Indomitable Lions to participate in the 2026 FIFA Series in Australia ⁰

The Indomitable Lions are entering the FIFA Series, a friendly tournament initiated by FIFA to boost global football. The Cameroon national team will participate in the next international competition between March and April 2026. The tournament will be held in Australia.

In the announcement made by FIFA on 19 January 2026, the Cameroonian team will play Australia, the host country, China and Curaçao in the AFC group. The world football governing body has not yet released the tournament schedule. It will be announced at a later date, FIFA said.

Source: Daily Sports