Last-Minute Decision in Cameroon Saga: Senior Lions Ordered to Face Namibia After U20 Team Removed from Flight

The last-minute decision came following direct intervention from the Cameroonian government, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

According to sources, the government has decreed that only the senior national team, the Lions Indomptables, is authorized to compete in the crucial match. This resolution was reached after an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister’s office, where top officials sought to resolve the escalating conflict between the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the Ministry of Sports (MINSEP).

Following this decision, the senior national team has been instructed to depart for Garoua on Thursday, where they will face Namibia. This move comes as a significant reversal after FECAFOOT had initially called upon the U20 squad to step in, due to the ongoing standoff with senior players.

Social media reactions have been swift, with many expressing their frustrations and anxieties. A user by the name of Pierre Ndjeuda remarked, "Now they’re calling everywhere, trying to reach the president of FECAFOOT, asking if he’s at the office or not, to arrange a meeting."

The situation has thrown Cameroon’s football into further disarray, as uncertainty continues to cloud the team’s preparations for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. With the Lions Indomptables now officially scheduled to play Namibia, all eyes will be on their performance amidst the backdrop of this off-field turmoil.

As the senior squad prepares to head to Garoua, questions remain about the long-term implications of this crisis on Cameroon’s footballing future. Whether this resolution marks the end of the tensions or is merely a temporary fix, remains to be seen.