Cameroon: Sports Minister Shifts AFCON Venue to Yaoundé, Ignoring Eto'o and FECAFOOT's Douala Preparations

With the match initially scheduled to take place at Douala's Japoma Stadium, recent developments have shifted the focus to Yaoundé's Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, further complicating the situation and sparking debate.

The Venue Dispute: A Timeline

1. August 7th: FECAFOOT, the Cameroon Football Federation, selected Japoma Stadium in Douala as the venue for the match, and ONIES, the National Office for Sports Infrastructure and Equipment, approved the choice.
2. August 19th: ONIES reversed its decision, citing heavy rainfall in Douala during this period, which could disrupt both training sessions and the match. They recommended moving the game to Yaoundé, a city with more reliable weather conditions.
3. August 20th: FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o insisted on sticking with the original plan to hold the match at Japoma, emphasizing ONIES' initial approval.
4. August 23rd: Following weather forecasts that indicated heavy rainfall in Douala and sunshine in Yaoundé, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, reaffirmed that the match would be held in Yaoundé. However, FECAFOOT proposed an alternative: moving the match to Garoua, a northern city with minimal rainfall risk.

The Ahmadou Ahidjo Legacy

In this heated debate, Yaoundé's Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium has emerged as a critical point of reference. Constructed during the late 1970s under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, the stadium is praised for its efficient drainage system and resilience against adverse weather. This stands in stark contrast to the concerns surrounding newer infrastructures like the Paul Biya Stadium and even Japoma, which have faced scrutiny for their ability to handle heavy rain.

While some may view the push to use Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium as a practical solution, others see it as a testament to the legacy of the late President Ahidjo, whose vision and quality of infrastructure continue to serve the nation decades later.

Discord or Smear Campaign?

The ongoing back-and-forth has led many to question whether this issue is purely logistical or if it is part of a broader attempt to destabilize FECAFOOT under the leadership of Samuel Eto'o. Since taking over, Eto'o has been a force for change in Cameroonian football, but his tenure has not been without controversy. His insistence on Japoma as the venue, despite the shifting recommendations, could be seen as a reflection of his determination to adhere to agreements, but it may also signal underlying tensions with other sports authorities.

Given the discord between FECAFOOT, ONIES, and MINSEP, many are left wondering if this is just another chapter in the ongoing struggle for control and influence within Cameroonian football.

Communication Breakdown

One of the most significant issues highlighted by this controversy is the lack of clear and consistent communication between the parties involved. The question remains: What changed between August 7th and August 19th? Why were weather concerns not raised earlier? These gaps in communication have led to confusion and mistrust, further complicating the situation.

The Road to Garoua?

As a potential compromise, FECAFOOT suggested moving the match to Garoua, a city with little to no rainfall risk during this period. However, this proposal seems to have been ignored in favor of Yaoundé, leaving many to question whether practical solutions are being sidelined in favor of other interests.

Conclusion

As Cameroonians look ahead to the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier, the hope is that these administrative challenges do not overshadow the team's performance on the field. The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and collaboration between all parties involved in Cameroonian football. Ultimately, the goal should be to create the best possible conditions for the Indomitable Lions to succeed, and that requires putting aside differences and focusing on what truly matters: the game.