By Ndi Eugene Ndi, Special Correspondent in Yaounde
Winning their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title has brought more than continental glory to the Cameroonian squad that lifted the trophy after thrashing Malawi 3-0 in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, August 16. Coach Valentine Nguele and girls have been awarded state medals and houses in addition to cash bonuses.
During a reception in their honor at the State House, known as the Unity Palace, in the capital, Yaounde, at the weekend, Cameroon President Paul Biya praised the team for their dynamism, discipline, team spirit, and solidarity, which ultimately led them to the podium at the 14th edition of the WAFCON “in a spectacular manner.”
The State House reception of the Indomitable Lionesses was President Biya’s first public appearance since he was seen at the airport leaving the country on June 7 with First Lady Shantal. (Photo / PRC.CM)
Reinstated after the tournament expanded from 12 to 16 teams, Cameroon, which did not initially qualify, made use of its second chance and went all the way, ending three previous painful defeats in the tournament’s finals and also qualifying for the Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil in 2027.
“I heartily congratulate you on this exploit. You thrilled us throughout the matches with your courage, determination, commitment, and talent. You made us happy; you made us proud. On this day, the nation, through me, expresses its deepest gratitude to you,” Biya said during the State House banquet, extending the same gratitude to the technical staff, whom he said “did an extraordinary job.”
Biya praised the team for not losing heart after reaching the finals on several occasions but failing to mount the podium, saying their exemplary track record should be a source of inspiration for Cameroonians, “and especially for our youth.”
In recognition of their exemplary service to the nation, each player and staff member of the team was raised to the rank of Knight of the Cameroon Order of Valour, each receiving a corresponding insignia, which they later placed on their chests beside a bouquet of flowers each.
The high point of the celebration was a low-toned announcement by Biya, relayed through Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, Minister Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic, after a group photo session with the WAFCON 2026 heroines, which triggered jubilation among the players.
State House reception by the presidential couple 'was a source of pride and honour' for the Lionesses. (Photo / PRC.CM)
Indomitable Lionesses defender, Easther Mayi Kith told state broadcaster, the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) that the jubilation was triggered by President Biya’s instruction that they be offered houses.
“I am very grateful for the offer made to us by the President of the Republic, it is overwhelming. I still cannot fully describe the feeling” the WAFCON winner said following the announcement. “I will continue to work so as to be ready for future competitions”.
Like her teammate, goalkeeper Michaely Bihina said the State House reception by the presidential couple was a source of pride and honor. “We thank the presidential couple for this magnificent welcome. We are very grateful. It motivates us to work even harder so that we might have the opportunity to return[for another reception]” she said.
The WAFCON title is the first major trophy won by legendary footballer Samuel Eto’o Fils as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
“Any undertaking requires time,” a happy Eto’o told the media during the State House banquet. “We aspire to achieve perfection and to go beyond what our beautiful country has seen before,” he added.
While thanking President Biya for his gesture toward the Lionesses in gifting them “beautiful homes”, the Cameroon FA president said “the most important thing is to see all these people happy—and, even more so, to see these Lionesses happy. Once again, we wish to express our immense and boundless gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic…We have already begun preparations for the upcoming World Cup”.
In recognition of their exemplary service to the nation, each player and staff member of the Lionesses' squad was raised to the rank of Knight of the Cameroon Order of Valour. (Photo / PRC.CM)
The State House reception of the Indomitable Lionesses was President Biya’s first public appearance since he was seen at the airport leaving the country on June 7 for what his office described as a “brief private stay in Europe.”
He returned to the country two days before the reception, after spending 74 days abroad – a return broadcast live on the state broadcaster, the Cameroon Radio Television, but hundreds of supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party who had lined the streets to welcome the veteran leader back from his longest recorded holiday since taking up power only saw the president’s hand waving at them through a half-open window of his car.
Prior to the finals against Malawi, President Biya dispatched the Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Dione Ngute to Rabat with “words of encouragement” and an envelope containing an undisclosed amount of financial support to boost the Indomitable Lionesses' morale.
