Gregoire Mbida has offered his services to the nation as it prepares to host its second-ever African Cup of Nations, AFCON football tournament in January 2022.
Cameroon-info news reports that the former indomitable lion midfielder, best remembered for scoring Cameroon’s only goal at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, waited in vain for over 31 years for a summons from the state.
With the AFCON soon to be hosted by Cameroon, Gregoire Mbida expected to be called up as a former Indomitable Lion to provide his experience in the organization of a major tournament such as the AFCON.
After he was ignored in 2016 when Cameroon hosted the Female AFCON, Gregoire decided to send correspondence to the Minister of Sports and Physical Education. In the correspondence, he expressed his regret that the state failed to recognize him, and has offered to assist in the organization of AFCON in January 2021.
He said “I have been faithful to my country and respected its institutions. That is why despite all the frustrations I have suffered, I have always kept hope… Here is the AFCON and I am available and willing to come and experience the tournament in my country.”