"A Lesson In Perseverance" President Biya Holds Up Lionesses' WAFCON Victory

In a ceremony filled with national pride and fanfare, President Paul Biya, accompanied by First Lady Chantal Biya, hosted a state reception at Unity Palace on Saturday, August 22, 2026, to honour the Indomitable Lionesses. The reception celebrated Cameroon's victory at the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON in Morocco. Where the squad earned their first-ever continental crown with a 3-0 victory over Malawi on July 26, 2026.

Beyond ending decades of narrow misses in past tournament finals, the championship victory officially sealed Cameroon’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Arrival At The Presidency

The bus transporting the Indomitable Lionesses pulled into Unity Palace at 3:30 p.m. Dressed in tailored team suits with inscriptions emblems of the Lion, the players disembarked carrying their individual tournament accolades. Alongside the WAFCON trophy. Led by Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto'o Fils, the squad made their way up to the third-floor ceremonial reception hall.

Guests Already Waiting

Waiting to welcome the champions was the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute. He is the one President Biya dispatched to Morocco to support the team during the final match and accompany them on their return flight with the cup.

There was also the Speaker of the National Assembly, Theodore Datouo, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Sports and Physical Education. Roger Milla, Roving Ambassador and legendary former Indomitable Lion. As well as foreign diplomats and high-ranking state officials, cabinet members and African sports icons.

Presidential Couple Arrives

By 3:36 p.m., the squad was seated in the third-floor reception hall. At 4:40 p.m., President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya entered to standing applause, marking the official start of the proceedings.

Trophy Presentation

The ceremony began as Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o led Team Captain Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné forward to present the WAFCON trophy to the Head of State. Each player and technical team member then stepped forward to greet the presidential couple and receive individual recognition.

Medal Ceremony

President Biya personally decorated 35 members of the delegation with commemorative state medals. All 26 players stepped forward, receiving medals directly from President Biya and sharing brief exchanges with First Lady Chantal Biya. Head Coach Valentine Nguele, along with her technical, tactical, and medical backroom staff, were decorated for their strategic planning and tournament execution.

Presidential Address

Taking the floor following the medal presentation, President Biya paid tribute to the perseverance of the Lionesses, contrasting their past heartbreaks in continental finals with their ultimate breakthrough in Morocco.

"On July 26, 2026, you hoisted the flag of Cameroon on the roof of Africa by winning the 14th edition of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations... The trophy always unfortunately escaped you. But you were not discouraged. You stood back up, you applied yourselves, you focused, you tried, retried, again and again, and finally, you won," the President stated.

National Call To Inspiration

The Head of State singled out the players for their contributions during the tournament. While emphasizing that the core foundation of their victory remained their collective discipline and team chemistry. Addressing the wider public, the President held up the squad's journey as a model of work ethic and resilience for Cameroonian youth.

Government’s Commitment

Closing his remarks, President Biya reaffirmed the government's commitment to funding and infrastructure support as the team prepares for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Toast

Following the President's address, the ceremonial protocol transitioned to official photographs. The Head of State, First Lady Chantal Biya, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o, and Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, joined the players on stage for the official victory portraits.

Commemorative Photo

The event concluded with a presidential toast, where players and officials shared glasses of wine with the First Lady and guests. Before taking a final group photograph on the grand staircase of Unity Palace.

Kimeng Hilton NDUKONG

The President held up the Indomitable Lionesses’ victory as a model of work ethic and resilience for Cameroonian youth.