Chaotic atmosphere ahead of Cameroon’s AFCON qualifier against Namibia – Which stadium to be used?
Another form of drama in the Cameroon football scene builds up as the Indomitable Lions prepare to face Namibia on September 7, in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
A disagreement between FECAFOOT and the national office in charge of sports infrastructure and equipment (ONIES) over which stadium is to be used comes to deepen the divide in the country’s football.
The release by ONIES asking that the match scheduled for the Japoma stadium be moved to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium, was not accepted by Samuel Eto’o.
FECAFOOT said it will not be possible to make any changes, given the “organisational” and “financial” damages involved. The federation said it will affect preparations, the visiting team, and CAF that already validated the venue.
In their argument, ONIES said the Japoma stadium needs to undergo works to upgrade the facility. It added that the lawn needs to be preserved and given proper care.
Many have asked if the Joseph Antoine Bell-led ONIES is doing its job, which is to take care of the football facilities in the country. The Japoma stadium was homologated by CAF months ago.
The encounter between Cameroon and Namibia will be the opening match for the Indomitable Lions in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The two teams are in group J alongside Kenya and Zimbabwe.
