Joseph Antoine Bell Speaks on Cameroon Match Venue Controversy

Speaking through the media outlet Sport Camer, Bell pointed out that the National Office for Sports Infrastructure and Equipment (ONIES) had already warned that the Garoua stadium was not ready for the match.

His comments came in response to growing concerns about venue selection for the national team's games, particularly ahead of the upcoming Cameroon vs Kenya match in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). According to Lebledparle.com, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has taken a more cautious approach this time, formally reaching out to ONIES to use the Japoma Stadium in Douala, attempting to avoid a repeat of the issues that plagued the Namibia match.

In his statement, Bell emphasized the importance of planning and flexibility:

"An organizer, like a groom planning a wedding, selects the date and venue for their event based on availability. Everyone assumes that the choice is straightforward, but in reality, it depends on factors that are often overlooked. If the venue you want is not available, you have to adjust your plans—either by changing the date or opting for another location. It’s as simple as that. Regarding the match in Garoua, it's important to note that ONIES had already indicated the stadium wasn’t ready," Bell explained.

This candid remark sheds light on the ongoing tension between ONIES and FECAFOOT, which many hope will be resolved before next month's crucial match against Kenya. With CAN 2025 qualifiers fast approaching, ensuring the readiness of venues is critical for the smooth execution of the matches and for creating a conducive environment for the players.

As the situation unfolds, many Cameroonian football fans are eager to see an end to the administrative disputes, allowing the focus to return to the team's performance on the pitch.