Proud To Overcome Organisational Challenges

That was the conclusive phase of an event that was long in coming, but which finally proved to be worth the effort, looking at the multi-faceted benefits it generated for Cameroon, Africa and the world. Those who doubted the ability of the country to live up to expectations certainly have reasons to revise their notes. More football infrastructure, hospitals and related equipment, hotels and other facilities, than what the Confederation of African Football (CAF) demanded, were made available.

It has led to cities like Garoua, Bafoussam, Limbe/Buea as well as Douala witnessing a dramatic facelift. Some of the towns like Gaoroua and Bafoussam have seen the highest number of aircraft bringing in foreign nationals and football stars that they have often been watching only on foreign television channels. So the beauty of the event was not just on the football pitches. The population in the host cities and their environs, in particular, and the entire country vibrated to the rhythm of good football played on quality infrastructure, thanks to the steadfastness of the Head of State, President Paul Biya who took the engagement to make the event happen.

People may have arguments against certain major festivities like the AFCON, but for once no Cameroonian had reason at any one point from 9 January to 6 February, 2022 to doubt the feel-good-effects that the competition brought to the country. A regrettable incident on 24 January, 2022 at the 8th final match between Cameroon and The Comoros when eight people unfortunately lost their lives in a stampede at the entrance of the Olembe Stadium served in illustrating how fanatical the people could be when football is concerned. It also helped authorities to understand better, what security measures were needed for such an event.

Other fears of an increase in the number of Coronavirus contaminations as a results of the presence of spectators around the football matches and the vaccination hesitancy that many displayed prior to the AFCON have all been rubbished by the glowing successes that the competition has left in its wake. A few days of empty stadiums quickly gave way to massive attendance in all the play grounds, thanks to sensitisation and measures taken by the Prime Minister Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, on instructions from the Head of State for schools and public services to close earlier than usual within the AFCON period.

Those who were required to undergo regular medical test for Covid-19 before going to watch matches, including a presentation of their vaccination cards, met with several committed and efficient medic...